GEO-NARRATIVE

Natasha Aguon

LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE

Unit/Theme Title: Social Studies: United States Symbols
Description: This lesson is to teach students to recognize the United States symbols and traditional practices that honor and foster patriotism in the United States identifying the United States symbol and meaning or importance of that symbol.
Goals and Objectives: Students will be able to: Define the meaning of a Symbol. Find and identify the United States Symbol using Google Earth: The White House, Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore. Discuss the importance or meaning of the United States symbol. Create a topic board on the United States symbols.
Grade Level: 1st grade
Standards: 1.4.2 Recognize the symbols and traditional practices that honor and foster patriotism in the U.S. by doing the following: ·       • Identifying the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty.
Duration: Introduction – 5 Minutes Instruction – 20 Minutes Interactive Lesson- 30 Minutes (Google Earth) Independent Work- 20 Minutes Assessment- 5 Minutes Closing/Review- 10 Minutes
Skills Addressed: Collaboration with peers, identification, vocabulary, using Google Earth
Key Vocabulary:  Symbol, Google Earth, Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty.
Materials: Computer, PowerPoint Presentation, Internet access & Google Earth, United States Symbols Mini Flip Book, United States Matching Worksheet Assessment
Resources:  Teachers Edition Social Studies Textbook, Internet Resources and Information to create PowerPoint, Flipbook and Assessment
SIOP Features* (See 6 components below and checkmark boxes that apply.)
1. Preparation xAdaptation of content xLinks to background xLinks to past learning xStrategies incorporated 2. Integration of Processes xReading xWriting xSpeaking xListening	3. Scaffolding xModeling xGuided practice xIndependent practice xComprehensible Input 4. Application xHands-on xMeaningful xLinked to objectives xPromotes engagement	5. Group Options xWhole class xSmall groups xPartners xIndependent 6. Assessment xIndividual oGroup xWritten xOral
Lesson Sequence: Introduction (5 Minutes) ·       Tell students that today they will be learning about some of the most important symbols in the United States of America.  ·       Ask students if they can define or remember from previous lessons what a symbol means. After discussion, define what a symbol is and that it is an item that represents something else. ·       Ask students if they can name any American symbols. ·       Help guide them through this discussion by naming items such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. ·       Tell students that they will be going on a virtual fieldtrip using Google Earth to see these amazing places. ·       Explain what Google Earth is and what it can do.  Show them how to use the program and how to search for one of the US symbols. Instruction (20 Minutes) ·       Using PowerPoint the teacher will review the American symbols, discussing the importance of them and what it stands for. Ask the children if they can identify the symbol you are holding up.  See if they can tell you anything about that symbol that you are showing them.  Next, read the slide for that symbols, showing other images of that symbol. Make sure to go through all six symbols. Interactive Lesson (30 Minutes) ·       In small group or with a partner the students will use Google Earth to locate the 6 United States symbols and answer a list of questions that the teacher writes on the board. Students must write: 1.     Name of the U.S. Symbol. 2.     The street address and state the symbol is located at? 3.     The meaning of the symbol or what the symbol represents. Independent Work (20 Minutes) ·       Students will complete a U.S. Symbol mini flipbook. Assessment (5 Minutes) ·       Students will match the image of the U.S. symbol with the correct name (Worksheet). Review and Closing/Reflection (10 Minutes) ·       After the students have completed their Google Earth Assignment, Independent work and Assessment the class will come back together.
Reflections: Ask each student to tell the class one fact they learned and what their favorite activity was. Review the 6 United States Symbols and their meaning. Ask students did they enjoy using Google Earth and would they like to use it for other lessons or activities?

*Adapted from the SIOP Model for English Language Learners.

Google Earth Lesson Plan sample:  http://www.gelessons.com/lessons/newlessonfiles/whereareyoufrom.html