Learn About the American Flag

Without the background of the countrys foundations, children are sometimes swept along in the
emotion of patriotism without really understanding what love of country involves. With these
activities, help your students grasp the history, symbolism and significance of Old Glory, as
they plan a community program to commemorate Flag Day in June.


Grade: 6

Content: Social Studies

Prior Knowledge: Foundations of United States (U.S.) government formation
Familiarity with terminology/vocabulary

Setting: Traditional classroom with sufficient seating, tables, and
equipment to accommodate all learners. Arrangement should
promote small group interaction and one-on-one interaction with
the teacher.

Purpose: With these Flag Day activities, you and your students will gain
new understanding of the significance of the national symbol and
have fun in the process. Students can take pride in knowing that
they have helped to educate the community, as well.


Materials/Resources:
Instructional text/research
Presentation/Visual graphics/Audio
Computer/Projector
Internet connectivity with sufficient capacity
1:1 mobile devices (BYOD: iPad/tablet, smart phone, or school provided)
Paper, pens/pencil, and associated utensils


Standards:
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary sources.
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RH2: Determine the central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source; provide an accurate
summary of the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RH4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including vocabulary
specific to domains related to history/social studies.
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RH7: Integrate visual information (e.g. charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with other
References
Martin, P. (2013). Edited by Finn, W. Celebrate Flag Day in your class. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-
social-studies-lessons/117125-flag-day-activities/
information in print and digital texts.
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RH9: Analyze the relationship between a primary
and secondary source on the same topic
GACC-GPS(2011): L6-8RST7: Integrate quantitative or technical information
expressed in words in a text with a version of that
information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart,
diagram, model, graph, or table)
ISTE(2007) NETS-S: 2- Communication and collaboration
3- Research and information fluency
5- Digital citizenship
6- Technology operations and concepts

Objectives:
Students will recognize the symbolism of the United States flag, including the stripes, the
stars and the colors.
Students will explain the origin of the U.S. flag and identify the changes to the flag over
time.
Students will explain the history of the Flag Day observance.
Students will practice research, writing and speaking skills.

Assessment:
Task(s) Standards Assessment
Create blog entry (Blogger) GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RST7
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 2
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 6
Formative/blog entry
Produce flashcards to
study/teach peers
(flashcards+)
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH1
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH2
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH4
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH7
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH9
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 2
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 6
Formative/flashcard content,
accuracy
Generate a digital story to
illustrate learning (Storykit,
Dipity, Padlet)
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH1
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH2
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH4
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH7
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH9
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 2
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 6
Formative/story content, accuracy
Graphic organizer
(Popplet)
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH1
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH2
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH4
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH7
GACC-GPS(2011) L6-8RH9
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 2
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 6
Summative/reflection content,
accuracy
References
Martin, P. (2013). Edited by Finn, W. Celebrate Flag Day in your class. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-
social-studies-lessons/117125-flag-day-activities/
Participation ISTE(2007)NETS-S 2
ISTE(2007)NETS-S 6
Rubric: Level of engagement,
participation, group interaction

Procedures:
1. [30 minutes, 15 minutes per grouping activity] Divide students into three groups. Assign
each group one of the following research topics upon which they are to become the class
experts;
Origin of the U.S. flag and its symbolism
History of Flag Day observances
Flag etiquette for display, folding, disposing and other uses
Each group will create a blogger post to the classroom blog for the topic. Each member
should individually provide at least five sentences summarizing their topic. Regroup the
students. Divide students into different topical groups leaving only one member
(designed group leader) from the original group remains.

Original member/expert will teach individual topic new group members using facts
sheet. Group members will check one anothers understanding of the concepts by
creating flashcards, by using the flashcards+ app (free download from app store), to
create questions. They should be sure that everyone not only knows the correct answer,
but also why it is correct, since the order of the answers may not be the same at test
time.

2. [20 minutes] Reform the original expert groups. Assign each group their own tasks:
Flag etiquette Write a five- to eight-minute speech in which the speaker explains how a
flag should be used and cared for. Produce an educationally relevant digital story using
the StoryKit (free download from the app store).
Flag history and symbolism Write a three- to five-minute skit that explains the origin
of the U.S. flag and the symbols used on it. Assemble an illustrated timeline using the
Dipity app (free download from the app store) to show the changes in the U.S. flag from
its beginning to today. The timeline should include at minimum 25 items/events.
Flag Day history Write a five- to eight--minute speech that explains how this day
started, how it has been celebrated during its history, and why we continue to celebrate
today. Record the speech as a podcast using. Find or write a song about the flag that
matches the reasons for celebrating this special day. Make a padlet about Flag Day
celebrations and their history.

3. [10 minutes] Each student should create a popplet graphic organizer of the information
they have learned. Popplet should incorporate primary and secondary resources regarding
the formation of the history of the flag.

4. Provide students with links to all materials created during class on class blog.

Accommodations/Modifications:
1. Provision of mobile device if does not have own device
2. Allow any learners on 504 IEP plan who is unable to submit work digitally, complete
tasks in compatible format
References
Martin, P. (2013). Edited by Finn, W. Celebrate Flag Day in your class. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-
social-studies-lessons/117125-flag-day-activities/
3. Any learner with modification plan will be granted additional time to complete tasks
4. Use of Braille or text-speech tools as needed
5. Advanced learners will be selected to be group leaders