Instructional Materials - Sample Lesson Plan

SAMPLE LESSON PLAN

Activity Sheet Resources on Flags History of Mississippi Flags Handout

Flags Over the Mississippi
BACKGROUND:

By studying the various flags that have flown over the area now known as the state of Mississippi, students will become aware of the state's rich, multi-cultural past. Additionally, students will understand that many factors can influence the design of a state's official flag. The following questions should be answered in this lesson:

•	How many flags have flown over Mississippi?
•	Why has Mississippi had two official state flags?
•	Explain why Mississippi, for several periods in its history, has not had an official flag.

TEACHING LEVELS: Grades 7 – 12

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

•	Illustrate on a time-line the various flags which have flown over the Mississippi area from the period of exploration to 1860.
•	Differentiate between the two official flags of the state.
•	Suggest elements that might be incorporated into a new state flag.
•	Research, draw and color one of the flags

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:

This lesson requires multimedia computers with Internet access (networked) as well as drawing and coloring software and color printer, a class set of the activity sheet, resources on flags and related sites, printed material on the History of the Mississippi (incorporating information on flags over the Mississippi and the language of flags) and pictures/drawings of such flags.

ESTIMATED TIME:

This lesson will take a double-session class period. Any unfinished work can be completed at home or some other time.

PROCEDURE:

1. Distribute the printed material, including the activity sheet and read the directions.

2. Discuss the history of the Mississippi and the significance of symbols on the flags.

3. Demonstrate how to use the drawing and coloring software and assist students with any difficulties. Provide Internet addresses of sites or search engines that can assist the students in identifying the flag they would like to reproduce.

4. Monitor students as they work (based on the activity sheet).

5. Display the results (printed paper flags) on the southern wall of the classroom.

RATIONALE:

This lesson promotes understanding of the history and life of the people who live in this region in the USA. Where applicable, researching and drawing an ancestral flags also promotes self-acceptance, tolerance, and ethnic pride.

OPENING THE LESSON:

In a brainstorming session, students will be asked to suggest possible flags over the Mississippi. These will be written on the board. The teacher will lead a discussion in which students explore the thoughts and feelings engendered by the flags on their list. At this point, the teacher will display a picture (or drawing) of a flag (e.g. the stars and stripes) allow student reaction. Students should begin to understand the power of various symbols in our society.

DEVELOPING THE LESSON:

1.	Ask students to name the most visible "symbol" of our nation. While their answers may vary, they probably will accept the U.S. flag as the most appropriate answer.
2.	After studying the U.S. flag (picture or actual classroom model), students will express explaining, in their opinion, the meanings of the various colors and elements of the flags design. Allow volunteers to share their observations.
3.	The teacher will tell students that much can be determined about the state's history by studying the flags that have flown over the area.
4.	Students will review the printed material and ask questions, where appropriate.
5.	Students will construct a time-line to show the various countries that explored and colonized the Mississippi area. In addition to dates, students should illustrate the time-line with drawings of the flags of those countries. The time-line should cover the years, 1540-1860. (The teacher will inform students that although Mississippi has had two official flags, for several long periods of its history, there was no official banner. The state has not had an official flag since 1906.)
6.	After completion of the time-line exercise, the teacher will conduct a class discussion to determine student understanding.
7.	The students will then follow the instructions and complete the exercise on the activity sheet. Draw and color one of Mississippi's official flags. For the colors and elements of the flag, write an explanation in notes.
8.	Students will print completed assignment. (To be graded by the teacher.)
9.	To reinforce knowledge, the students will participate in a quiz game. Students, working in two teams, will try to see which team can win the game.

CONCLUDING THE LESSON:

•	Working in cooperative learning groups, students will list elements (colors, stars, icons) that they think would be appropriate to consider in designing a new flag for the state.
•	The lists will be combined and shared with the entire class. Students will have the opportunity to defend their choices.

ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING:

1.	Completion of time-line (noting quality of work produced by student).
2.	Observation of student participation in class discussions.
3.	Review notes and/or drawing.
4.	Participation in group activity (team quiz).
5.	Teacher-developed summative test.

EXTENDING THE LESSON:

1.	Students may read the additional printed material and prepare (present) a special (brief) report.
2.	Students (either individually or in groups) will design a new flag for the state. By majority vote, a "winner" will be chosen. The students may design a flag for their class, as well.
3a	Students will research the controversy regarding the use of the Beauregard battle flag in the 1894 Mississippi state flag; or
3b	Students may wish to interview (via e-mail or phone) a member of the Governor's Commission on the State Flag and share their experience with the class; or
3c	Argue the pros and cons in the new flag for Mississippi debate.