Grade Level: 1-2

Abstract: This unit will take place  over a period of two weeks. During that time, students will engage in unit material during “center time”, whole group lessons (one per day) as well as through time spent at home completing research with parental assistance.

Lesson 1-Early America: Intro to Landmarks

Objective: Students will recognize the importance and significance of the Pilgrim’s arrival at Plymouth Rock. Students will also develop an understanding of what a “landmark”.

Procedure: As a group, the students will be asked to gather on the “carpet area”. Students will be asked if they know what a “landmark” is. Students may give various answers. The students will be told that a landmark is something with a historical significance. That there are many landmarks found around our country that are ” natural wonders” (like the Grand Canyon) or that people have either built or found and want to preserve for future generations because they are special places. Ask students if they can think of any local places that may be considered landmarks. After brainstorming, the students will then be told of one of the first places to become a national landmark-Plymouth Rock. The students will then be shown pictures and told a brief history of how America was founded and got its name. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions. After the discussion, the students will return to their seats. The students will then be told that they are going to make a landmark. Each student will be given a small river rock. The students will be told that since we cannot actually step foot on Plymouth Rock like the Pilgrim’s did, we will make our own historical Plymouth Rock landmark. Each student will be given a permanent marker.The students will be required to write “Plymouth Rock, December 11, 1620 on their rocks. Name and date should be written on the chalkboard for them to copy. The lesson will come to a close by the students being asked 1) What is a landmark? 2) Why is Plymouth Rock a landmark?.

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Lesson 2: Locating Landmarks

Objective: Students will identify and describe various landmarks located throughout the United States.

Procedure: The lesson will be executed during “center time”. A small group of students will be selected for a demonstration. The students will be asked to recall the previous lesson on what a landmark is. They will then be told the objective. The students will be shown a colored map of the United States of America. The students will be told that they are going to use the map to find landmarks within the country we live in. The students will be shown how to use the map (each state borders another, they are color coded to show each state, some landmarks are already labeled on the map). Each student will need to use the map and the “Landmark Information Sheet” to find landmarks in the United States. Once a landmark is found, a student and their partner with answer two questions about the specific landmark. The landmarks include: The Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and the White House. Students will be assisted as needed. Students will be assessed on their ability to work with a partner to complete the landmark packet.

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Lesson 3: Georgia O’Keeffe: A Great American Artist

Objective: Students will recognize Georgia O’Keeffe as a well-known American painter. Students will use a theme (nature) comonly used by Georgia O’Keeffe to produce a replica of her painting of a red poppy.

Procedure: During “center time”, a small group of students will be selected for a demonstration. The lesson will begin with the students being asked if they know what an artist is. The children will be told that a painter is a type of artist. They will then be told told the objective. The students will be asked if they have ever heard of Georgia O’Keeffe or if they have ever seen her work (show picture of red poppy painting). The students will be given a brief biography of the artist. They will then be told that she is considered a well-known artist because of all her beautiful work. After showing a few examples of her work, the students will be asked if they notice a pattern or common theme in the things she painted. Students should notice that she painted many things found in nature, especially flowers. The students will be shown an example of what they are going to paint. Each student will get a worksheet of a poppy to trace on a white sheet of construction paper. After tracing the outline of the poppy on the white paper, students will be given watercolor paints. Draw ther attention to the types of colors she used in the poppy-red, yellow, orange, black for the middle. As students work, explain blending techniques. Once completed, have the students recall what they painted, and who Georgia O’Keeffe is. Dried paintings can then be mounted on a black pice of construction paper and hung on display. They really are beautiful!

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Lesson 4: Mapping

Objective: Students will identify a map and a globe as two different pictures of the earth. Students will locate land and water on a globe and a map.