America's Signs and Symbols

October 2010 - joxenford
Target Audience: 
Students in grades 6, 7, 8.
Cost: 
Free
Requirements for Participation: 

There are 5 spaces available for MAGPI Members. Members must have H.323 videoconferencing capabilities. Members must have the ability to project a powerpoint simultaneously and independently of the videoconference.

Program Description:

Artists use familiar American icons – the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, the flag –
to communicate their personal ideas and to encourage probing thoughts about our
society. By introducing America’s Signs & Symbols with a pre-visit looking
activity, completing your videoconference, and cementing concepts with an
in-class post lesson, your students will be better able to:

  • Understand the historical context and symbolic meanings of American icons;
  • Understand the role of symbols in the expression of a national identity, personal ideas and social commentary;
  • Use visual vocabulary to articulate observations and interpretations of artworks.

Videoconference Outline:

  • I.   Patriotic Symbols (flag, eagle)
  • 2.  The Presidency
  • 3.  Monuments and Documents
  • 4.  Making it Personal 
  • 5.  Popular Cultural Symbols

Pre-Videoconference Activities:

None required.