Introduction
This activity will consist, in depth, of all aspects of the Arkansas State flag. State Flags are an important part of the state because everything on them represent something about the state in some way. It is important for citizens to understand, share knowledge about, and respect their state flag.
Task
Each student will learn to identify every part of the Arkansas State Flag, why they are included in the flag, and what the importance of the symbols are. There is a wide history of the Arkansas State Flag, as with any state flag, and each of you will grasp some knowledge of the history.
Process
Each student will research and retain knowledge of the following:
What is the importance of the stars (blue and white)?
What is the importance of the stripes?
What is the importance of the number of stars and stripes?
Is there an significance in the shape of design of the flag?
When was the state flag born and why?
Has there ever been another Arkansas State Flag before the one we have now?
Is there anything else about the flag that you have researched to be important?
Evaluation
The students will be evaluated by their amount and depth of research on a score chart from 4 to 1. (4 being the best work and research and 1 being the poorest amount of work and research). I do not want short answers or guesses. Please ask questions if you are not sure about something. These will not be graded as a group. Each individual student is responsible for his/her own grade. Work carefully and do your best.
Conclusion
The flag of the state of Arkansas is a red field charged with a large blue-bordered white diamond. Twenty-nine five-pointed stars appear on the flag: twenty-five small white stars within the blue border, and four larger blue stars in the white diamond. The inscription "ARKANSAS" appears in blue within the white diamond, with one star above and three stars below. The star above and the two outer stars below point upwards; the inner star below points downwards.
With this lesson, you all have learned the importance and significance of all the above aspects of the flag. With these new understandings comes more respect for the flag and the state as a whole.
What can you do for your state to improve the care of our state flag? (i.e. when you see a flag being misused, what would you do?)
Credits
Teacher Page
Grade level- 3rd
Materials- books, online research
Pre-reqs- None
References: http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Arkansas/Flag.html