Symbols: The American Flag
In this lesson, students will learn about the American flag as a powerful national symbol by examining its design, colors, and evolution throughout history. Through a symbol recognition game, guided coloring activities comparing historical flags, and hands-on worksheets, students will identify why the flag has 13 stripes and 50 stars, what the colors red, white, and blue represent, and how the flag has changed as new states joined the nation, developing an understanding of how symbols communicate meaning and represent shared values like freedom, bravery, and justice.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to…
- Recognize that symbols represent ideas or qualities.
- Identify the design elements of the American flag including the number of stars, stripes, and the meaning behind the colors red, white, and blue.
- Understand how the flag has evolved over time by comparing historical versions of the flag and recognizing that stars were added as new states joined the nation.
- Explain the significance of the American flag as a representation of American values like freedom, bravery, and justice.
Object Details
- What the Stars and Stripes Mean
- Printed by G.H. Buek & Co.
- New York, United States
- 1896
- Chromolithograph on paper
- Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Popular and Applied Graphic Art Collection