History of the Statue of Liberty
Teacher Page
This webquest is designed to help students explore the Statue of Liberty. They start by placing themselves in a hypothetical scenario; they have won an all expenses trip to New York, but in order to claim their prize they must first create a poster or visual representation of the history and meaning of the Statue of Liberty to be displayed at the National Monument. As the students explore the site, they find links to various sources full of useful information.
Introduction
Learners
This lesson is anchored in 6th grade language arts and social studies. This lesson could be extended to all middle school levels and potentially younger levels with the proper scaffolding. In order to complete the assignment, students must be able to independently research topics using the computer. The must also be able to read and comprehend some upper level materials.
Curriculum Standards
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.
Identify key steps in a text's description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
Throughout this lesson students will be able to independently research the Statue of Liberty through the links and video provided. They will be able to make comparisons of the different articles, apply information from multiple sources and engage in creative production through the making of the poster. Students will also be able to engage in teamwork and compromise during the production of the poster. After this lesson, students will have a new found knowledge of the Statue of Liberty and appreciation for what it stands for.
Process
When planning for this lesson, allow 2-3 class periods to complete the finished product. There must be ample time to explore the links provided as well as all of the materials in the list provided.
-Allow the students to work in pairs on this project, although working in groups of three can work as well if computer accessibility is limited. (if students must go to a lab to complete project, have them bring notebooks to take notes on their research. Encourage them to make a rough draft of the information they want to depict on their poster so once they leave the lab, they are ready to create)
-Have the students first watch the video provided and then continue to explore the links. If there are further links they would like to explore, make sure to direct them to ask the teacher first.
-Once research is completed, it is time to move on to the poster. Butcher paper markers and any other art supplies that seem appropriate are to be provided. Once the poster is done share it, the student should with teacher to ensure all criteria are met and have the opportunity to display it.
Resources
-Access to computers/tablets/iPads with dependable internet connection
-Access to headphones to watch video (teacher may encourage students to bring/use their own)
-Poster supplies: plenty of markers, rulers, butcher paper, colored pencils, etc..
Evaluation
Conclusion
(see link below)
This lesson was designed not only to spark interest in the Statue of Liberty but the essence of national monuments as a whole. What is the purpose of monuments such as this? To what extent do they represent our nation as a whole? After concluding this project, a discussion related to these questions is encouraged as a time of reflection for the students.
Credits & References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty
http://www.thetravelclub.org/images/traveloscope/statue_of_liberty/statueofliberty10.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usHRc7G0gVo
https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/people.htm
https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/statue-history
http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/statueofliberty.html
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Statue_of_Liberty_at_sunset.jpg
Objective
- Students can state important people involved in the construction of the Statue of Liberty
- Students can state when the Statue of liberty was made
- Students can state the meaning behind the Statue of Liberty
- Students can identify symbols and how they relate to the meaning of the Statue of Liberty