Subject: Social Studies

Lesson Length: 30 - 35 mins

Topic: State Symbols

Grade Level: 4

Standards / Framework:

Brief Description: Students will explore the historical context from which state symbols became meaningful and symbolic.

Know Before You Start: Students should be familiar with state symbols and be able to define the words: symbol and symbolism.

Hook:

  • Show and discuss common symbols of the United States, e.g., flag, eagle, Liberty Bell.

    • What do you think of when you see these symbols?

    • Why do you think these symbols represent the U.S.A.?

  • Read and discuss the sample comic. Explain that each state has its own symbols.

Activity:

  • Have students research and identify two state symbols.
  • Using the sample comic as a guide, have them create a two-panel comic illustrating the history behind both symbols. 

Closure:

  • Display the completed comics.
  • Have students complete a gallery walk to view the state symbols and discuss those that are meaningful to them. 

Differentiation:

  • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
  • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
  • Provide students with a list of state symbols. 

Resources:

  • Comic to print or display: Comic.