The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol

Content Standards

• NCSS.D2.Civ.2.3-5: Democracy relies on responsible participation.
• NCSS.D2.Civ.8.3-5: Identify civic virtues and democratic principles.
• NCSS.D2.His.2.3-5: Compare historical periods.
• NCSS.D2.His.14.3-5: Explain causes and effects of historical events.
• NCSS.D2.His.16.3-5: Use evidence to develop historical claims.

Preparation

• Review and select archival materials for classroom discussions.
• Obtain information on the Statue's symbols via National Park Service interactive activities.
• Gather materials for a poster-making project.
• Use worksheets from the Digital Classroom to analyze primary sources.

Lesson Activities

Activity 1: Isn't It Symbolic?

• Discuss the concept of symbols and their meanings.
• Example: Statue of Liberty's broken chains symbolize freedom.
• Explore unintended symbolism over time, e.g., immigrants associating the Statue with freedom.
• Use resources from the Metropolitan Museum of Art for lessons on symbols.

Activity 2: A Mighty Woman with a Torch

• Brainstorm current knowledge about the Statue.
• Discuss why the Statue faces away from the U.S. (towards France).
• Explore aspects like torches, crowns, and size of the Statue.
• Access kid-friendly information from America’s Library and Ben’s Guide.

Activity 3: Built-In Symbols

• Divide class into groups to analyze different images of the Statue.
• Discuss observations about details like the tablet, axe, and broken chains.
• Hypothesize the meanings of various symbols.

Activity 4: Using the Symbol

• Analyze examples of the Statue’s symbolism in various media.
• Poetry: Emma Lazarus's "The New Colossus."
• Sheet Music: Songs like "Liberty 1916" and "When you come back."
• Posters: Analyze WWII era posters and messages.
• Photos: Discuss symbolic uses in historical photos, e.g., "Human Statue of Liberty."

Activity 5: Choose a Symbol, Any Symbol

• Research another U.S. symbol’s history and significance.
• Use resources like American Memory Project and National Archives Education.

Activity 6: Create a Symbol

• In groups, create a poster using the researched symbol.
• Emphasize design principles like limited text and color.
• Use rubrics to evaluate posters.

Activity 7: The United States Symbol

• Write about American symbols and their meanings.
• Choose and explain a symbol representing the U.S.

Lesson Extensions

• Explore photos of the Statue’s construction and restoration.
• Study Emma Lazarus’s poem in comparison with the Colossus of Rhodes.
• Learn about the fundraising history for the Statue’s pedestal.
• Investigate the Statue’s link with immigration and Ellis Island.

Recommended Websites and Resources

• Websites: American Memory, America’s Library, National Archives Educator Resources.
• Readings: Books on American symbols, history, and immigration.

These notes should serve as a concise reference to understand the educational content and activities around the significance and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty as explored in this lesson plan.