Monumental Ideas Lesson Plans

Table of Contents

Grades K-2: Math: Number Lines, Measurement, and Operations

Grades K-2: Science: Earth Science: Rocks and Minerals

Grades K-2: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

Grades K-2: History: Social Studies/Communities

Grades K-2: Literacy

Grades K-2: Art and Technology: Drawing and Google Draw

Grades 3-5: Math: Coordinate Grids and Scale Models

Grades 3-5: Science: Life Science: Biomimicry Designs

Grades 3-5: Engineering: National Park and CyArk Engineering Challenge

Grades 3-5: History: Civil Rights

Grades 3-5: Literacy

Grades 3-5: Art & Technology: Painting and Google Slides

Grades 6-8: Math: Geometric Shapes and Nets

Grades 6-8: Science: Chemical and Physical Properties of Rocks

Grades 6-8: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

Grades 6-8: History: Assassination

Grades 6-8: Literacy

Grades 6-8: Art & Technology: Clay and Stop Motion Animation

Grades 9-12: Math: Trigonometry

Grades 9-12: Science: Acid Rain and Chemical Erosion

Grades 9-12: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

Grades 9-12: History: Leadership Lessons

Grades 9-12: Literacy: Symbolism in Architecture

Grades 9-12: Art & Technology: Photography and 3D Printing

Grades K-2: Math: Number Lines, Measurement, and Operations

CyArk Measuring Tape:

Students and teachers will be able to use the measuring tape to measure certain areas of the monuments.

CyArk Reference Tool:

Students can gain a sense of perspective of just how tall these monuments are.

Teacher Talk:

Talk about what types of measurement tools are used for building. Show actual tools or graphics.

Questions: 

What measurements did architects, geographers, and others use to construct the Lincoln and Washington Monuments? What were the original measurements for the monuments?

Task:

As the class enters the platform, use the measuring tape to measure designated parts of the monument. Collect the measurements via Padlet or Chart.

Assessment:

Converse on why measurements are the same or different. Have students remeasure in cases of large discrepancies. Why is measurement important? How far off is too much?

Vocabulary:

centimeter

feet

inches

measuring tape
meter

meter stick

millimeters

yard stick

Use:

Measuring Chart

Graphics

Resources:

MLK Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Read:

Millions to Measure

Author: David Schwartz

Illustrator: Steven Kellogg

Grades K-2: Science: Earth Science: Rocks and Minerals

CyArk Magnifying Glass: 

The magnifying glass tool will allow students to look closely at the rocks used to create the monument.

Camera:

The camera tool will allow students to take photos to use for their poster or digital slide.

Teacher Talk: 

Granite is used because it resists weathering and abrasion. Marble is used because it is a low-cost material that is found in abundance. (Provide samples of rocks or photos for students to touch and observe)

Questions: 

What is the difference between marble and granite? What types of rocks are these? Why were they chosen for these monuments? Where did the rocks come from? Can you identify three types of rocks by look and touch?

Task: 

Students will collect rocks and create a poster or digital slide of the properties of each rock. They will also include the types of rocks used in each monument.

Assessment: 

Given various samples of rocks or photos of rocks, students can identify them by telling how they were formed.

Vocabulary:

classify

granite

igneous rock

marble

metamorphic rock

organic

process

sedimentary rock

Observe:

metamorphic Rock

igneous rock

sedimentary rock

Resources:

If Rocks Could Talk

Geology

Types of rocks

Read:

If You Find a Rock

Author: Peggy Christian

Photographer: Barbara Lember

Grades K-2: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is built out of 159 blocks of granite. The Stone of Hope surges forward as the focal point for the memorial and is coming out of the Mountains of Despair. This references a line in King’s speech, “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

Your Engineering Challenge is to create a sculpture to honor a person in your town or community that deserves recognition. In the spirit of MLK, create your sculpture out of clay and include a quote or statement about this person that you can engrave into the clay. You can make your own clay or playdough or use purchased materials. Just as MLK was honored by this memorial, you will honor your choice with your sculpture.

Grades K-2: History: Social Studies/Communities

CyArk Camera:

The camera tool allows students to take photographs throughout the site. While inside the immersive experience, take photos of statues, quotes, columns, and sculptures. Teachers and students can use these for further discussions.

Teacher Talk:

Let’s talk about the holidays, MLK Day and President’s Day. These days are holidays because we are celebrating the accomplishments of those honored.

Questions: 

Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK)? Who is included in President’s Day? How should we honor them? What other holidays do we celebrate? Do any other holidays honor people?

Task: 

Students will incorporate service-learning activities into their day by choosing to “DO GOOD” for someone else. They will choose an activity that will benefit others, draw and write about what this activity will look like, and follow through with this activity.

Assessment:

Ask students why they chose this activity. Encourage them to continue doing good to carry on the legacis of those we celebrate.

Vocabulary:

dream

inauguration

justice

leadership

nation

memorial

peace

President

Washington, DC

White House

Read:

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Author: Martin Luther King III

Illustrator: AG Ford

Presidents’ Day by Anne Rockwell - Teaching Tips

Author: Anne Rockwell

Illustrator: Lizzy Rockwell

Resources:

Celebrating MLK Day

Celebrating Presidents Day

Take a Virtual Trip to Memphis

Grades K-2: Literacy

Visual Literacy with the SEE-THINK-WONDER Analysis Protocol

Help students to practice critical thinking skills by observing and analyzing photos and primary source documents. Ask students to provide evidence to support their thinking.

  1. Use the CyArk magnifying glass to zoom in on the quotes engraved above Lincoln and on the side of the MLK Memorials, or locate images with detail worth analyzing in the National Park Service Lincoln Memorial and MLK Memorial photo collections.
  2. Prompt students to observe the image and to consider these questions:
  1. What do you see in this picture?
  2. What do you think about it?
  3. What does it make you wonder?

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. He is known for his work to end slavery.  

  1. Read about Lincoln and what he believed.
  2. Use a Venn Diagram to compare what you learn about each one.

Help students explore who Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was

  1. Read Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport.
  2. Have students identify some of his big words in the text of the book.
  3. Have students help create an illustrated dictionary of these big words.
  4. Ask students to choose their own big words and write about them.

Vocabulary:

amendment

Bill of Rights    

Congress    

Constitution    

democracy    

Emancipation

freedom

Civil Rights

equality

demonstrate

Read:

Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln

Author: Doreen Rappaport  

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Looking at Lincoln

Author/Illustrator:

Maira Kalman

Extend and Connect:

How were President Lincoln and Dr. King alike?

Grades K-2: Art and Technology: Drawing and Google Draw

TECHNOLOGY
CyArk Camera:

The camera tool will allow students to take photographs throughout the site and use them in their Google Draw Presentation.

Google Draw:

Students will explore Google Draw and Architecture.

https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/drawing/m02csf

Using the program, create a drawing in Google Draw that depicts an integration of the two monuments. (MLK and Lincoln)

Resources:

How to Draw Lincoln

How to Draw MLK

MLK and Lincoln’s Inspiring Words

ART

Drawing:

Students will complete a drawing of each

monument as they see it. They will use pencil, crayons, chalk, and markers for their design.

They may add any details to the monument

that they feel will enhance the look.

Resources:

Introduction to Chalk and Pastels

How to Draw

MLK Artist

Lincoln Artist

Read:

My Museum

Author: Joanne Liu

The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

Author: Kay A. Haring

Illustrator: Robert Neubecker

Grades 3-5: Math: Coordinate Grids and Scale Models

CyArk Coordinate Grid: 

The Coordinate Grid will allow students to have a standard unit and grid for taking measurements of the monument.

Camera Tool: 

The camera tool allows the student to take photographs throughout the site, that they can use for their scale model.

Teacher Talk: 

Architects and Builders use scale model drawings to begin their construction of large monuments.

Questions: 

Why do architects build scale models? Why is scale important? What happened to the Lincoln Statue that required it to be rebuilt? What tools are used to build scale models?

Task: 

Build a scale drawing of the monuments. Students will use the coordinate grid to place over the monument and then snap a photo of the grid using the camera tool. By importing the photo into Google Draw- students can label the grid and then begin a scale model drawing of the monument. Be creative! Students can enlarge the scale drawing by using one sheet of paper for each square in the grid drawing.

Example:

The ratio for the length in a drawing (or model) to the length on the real thing. Example: in the drawing anything with the size of “1” would have a size for “10” in the real world, so a measurement of 2 inches on the drawing would be 20 inches the real dog.

Assessment:

Have students analyze their photo, their coordinate grid, and their scale model. Ask them to explain what they see. Is their creation realistic?

Vocabulary:

axis

congruent

coordinate grid

corresponding angles

corresponding sides

scale model

similar figures

Read:

Iggy Peck, Architect

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Grades 3-5: Science: Life Science: Biomimicry Designs

CyArk Camera: 

The Camera tool will allow students to capture photos of the living things around the monument.

Magnifying Glass: 

The Magnifying Glass tool will allow students to observe nature and the juxtaposition of the monuments to nature.

Teacher Talk:

Architects use plants to compliment structures and provide green spaces for people to enjoy. They also use biomimicry (ideas from nature) as inspiration for their designs.

Questions: 

How do architects use water, energy, and nature to enhance monuments? What types of biomimicry were used in the development of Lincoln and MLK?

Task: 

After observing the virtual spaces of the monuments, use the magnifying glass to identify the biomimicry used and create a plan for biomimicry if the monuments were built in your community. You will need to research native plants and make sure that they will grow in your area. You can use the video camera to capture what you see.

Assessment: 

Have students hold an open house to share their designs, create business cards for their company, and share with local architects and nurseries

Vocabulary:

abiotic

adaptation

biotic

biodiversity

biomimicry

ecosystem

evolution

nature

niche

Symbiosis

Watch:

Biomimicry Design Challenge


Resources:

Nine Incredible Buildings

Nature-Inspired Solutions

Ask Nature

Read

Biomimicry

Author: Dora Lee

Wild Ideas

Author: Elin Kelsey  

Grades 3-5: Engineering: National Park and CyArk Engineering Challenge

The statue of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial was carved from Georgia marble. Stones from other parts of the United States were also used to symbolize the importance of the Union to Lincoln. If you look closely at the statue you will find unique features that make the sculpture so special. The sculptor used many photographs of Lincoln; along with eyewitness descriptions to make sure he captured the essence of our 16th President. Your task is to create a sculpture of a famous person that you have read about in history. Read eyewitness descriptions and look at photographs to make sure that you capture the essence of this famous person. Engineer this design with paper mache and place your finished product into a setting that tells their story.

Grades 3-5: History: Civil Rights

CyArk Camera: 

The camera tool will allow students to document quotes inside the MLK immersive experience.

Teacher Talk: 

Facilitate a discussion on the influence of MLK on the Civil Rights. Share copies of the “I Have A Dream” speech and provide access to the audio.

Questions: 

How does MLK’s mission align with Lincoln? What did MLK do to advance the Civil Rights of all?

Task:

Students will examine the speech,

I Have A Dream”  and articulate why it was a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. They will share their analysis through a visual drawing or illustration from the MLK immersive experience and through the use of primary sources. Extension: What resources within the Lincoln immersive supports MLK?


Assessment: 

This will be a persuasive writing using visuals so you will assess on their understanding and analyzing of the speech.

Vocabulary:

crooked

dream

engulfed

glory

hill

mountain

plains

revealed

Valley

Resources:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Speech Text 

I Have A Dream Speech

Primary Resources

Read:

Jackie Robinson American Hero

Author: Sharon Robinson

Child of the Dream

Author: Sharon Robinson

March on! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

Author: Christine King Farris

Illustrated by: London Ladd

Grades 3-5: Literacy

Primary Source Analysis

The Lincoln Memorial stands at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This memorial building, based on the Greek Parthenon, houses a gigantic marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

Access a high resolution a digital copy of this document at the Library of Congress.

Daniel Chester French is the sculptor best known for designing the statue of Abraham Lincoln that sits inside the Lincoln Monument. Read Monument Maker by . How did French create this huge statue? What challenges did he encounter? How did he overcome them?

Read:

Monument Maker

Author: Linda Sweeny

Illustrator: Shawn Fields

MLK, Jr. Quotations

Many of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous quotes are inscribed on the walls of the MLK Memorial.

  1. Have students use the CyArk Magnifying Glass to zoom in on the inscriptions and then use the Camera tool to take a picture or video of it.
  2. Have students work in small groups to share the inscription they captured and discuss:
  1. What do they think it means?
  2. How might it apply now to our lives?
  3. What kind of picture might you create to help others understand the meaning?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a minister and civil rights activist. Learn more about him:

I have a Dream

Author: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

The Undefeated

Author: Kwame Alexander

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Grades 3-5: Art & Technology: Painting and Google Slides

TECHNOLOGY

CyArk Camera: 

The Camera tool will allow students to capture interactions in the digital space that they can use in their Google Slides.

Google Slides:

Using Google Slides, create a photostory of the history of the monuments.

Resources:
History of MLK Memorial

History of Lincoln Memorial

How to Use Google Slides

Creating a StoryBoard

ART

Painting:

Inspired by the paintings of famous painters such as: Van Gogh, Norman Rockwell, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Georgia O’Keefffe, and Frido Kahlo, students will paint the monuments in the style of one of these OR a blend of several. They will also include a statement of work that shares why they chose that style.

Resources:

How to Paint Portraits from Photographs

Painting Landscapes

MLK Paintings

Lincoln Paintings

Read:

Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos

Author: Monica Brown

Illustrated by: John Parra

Katie and the Mona Lisa

Author: Jame Mayhew

Grades 6-8: Math: Geometric Shapes and Nets

CyArk Mini Model Tool: 

Students will be able to use the same data that was used to create the 3D model and digital experience to create their own 3D model of the monument.

CyArk Reference Tool:

Students can use the reference tool for perspective.

Teacher Talk: 

Geometry is used in architecture to create the shape of the building. Triangles are great tools for architecture and are used in the design of buildings and other structures because they provide strength and stability.

Questions: 

How does the triangle hold its shape? What other shapes incorporate triangles? Why are triangles considered the simplest polygons?

Task: 

Students will deconstruct the monuments into basic geometric shapes. Students may upload photos of the monuments and then use online programs to manipulate the monument so they can see the different shapes used. Extension- Build nets of the shapes to recreate the monuments.

Assessment: 

Have students compare the types of shapes they found. Encourage them to share their challenges. Have them make a Venn Diagram of       their findings with a partner.

Vocabulary:

angle

cylinder

cube

line

midpoint

plane

prism

pyramid

rectangle

square
transverse line

trapezoid

Triangle

Resources:

Perfect Buildings

Pylon of the Month

It’s All in the Detail

FlashPrint

Read:

A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeleine L’Engle

How to Make Super Pop-Ups

Author: Joan Irvine

Grades 6-8: Science: Chemical and Physical Properties of Rocks

CyArk Camera: 

The camera tool will allow students to take photographs throughout the site as they observe the rocks used in the design.

Magnifying Glass: 

The magnifying glass tool will allow students to see weathering and erosion up close.

Teacher Talk:

Architects must determine which types of rocks will be best for the durability and duration of the monuments. Great care is taken to ensure that the monuments will last a long time. Architects must understand erosion and weathering.

Question:

How do rocks weather? How do rocks erode? What types of maintenance do monuments undergo?

Task: 

Your task is to research the factors that influence the weathering of monuments (right) and design a plan to address each factor. You will present this to the National Parks Maintenance Department.

Assessment: 

Ask students to present their plans to the class in preparation for their presentation to the National Parks. Assess their knowledge of weathering and erosion.

Vocabulary:

abrasion

decomposers

decomposition

erosion

permeable

run-off
soil

Weathering

Use:

Weathering and Erosion Factors

Factors:

Resources:

Nature Erosion

Gone with the Weathering

Water, Wind, and Weather

Grades 6-8: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

The engineering behind designing and building monuments began with Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. These ancient engineers knew that the key to success was balance, strong structures, and careful planning. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial took 27 years of fundraising, politics, planning, and construction. The Lincoln Memorial took 8 years from idea to construction.

Your task is to research and build a scale model of another monument or memorial in the National Mall. You have studied scale modeling and you understand geometric figures. Choose a monument or memorial that has a connection to the ones we are studying and build it out of wire and newspaper. Think about the shapes you will want to use for the foundation and build from the bottom up. You can cover your structure with clay or paper. Begin with a plan and then follow that plan through to completion.

Grades 6-8: History: Assassination

CyArk Camera:

The Camera tool will allow students to capture their surroundings and share their thoughts about the deaths of MLK and Lincoln.

Teacher Talk: 

Talk about the lives of MLK and Lincoln. Celebrate their achievements and legacies. Share that not everyone agreed with them.Discuss the events that lead up to the death of MLK and Lincoln. Ask students how they feel about this. Let students express their feelings safely.

Questions: 

When and where did MLK die? When and where did Lincoln die? Why is it called assassination? What led up to their deaths?

Task:

Read about the assassinations of both men. Create a timeline of events that led up to the assassinations. Compare and contrast. Propose a “peaceful” way that people can solve their problems and share with the class.

Assessment: 

Ask students questions about “why” they think these assassinations happened. What is their proposal for peace?

Do:

As a class, create a digital memory wall for MLK and Lincoln. Use photos and videos from the immersive experience and from online sources.

Create a peace garden at school or home.

Pledge to Do Good!

Vocabulary:

13th Amendment

assassination

Civil Rights

discrimination

emancipation proclamation

equality

Ford’s Theater

Memphis

Slavery

Resources:

MLK’s Life

Lincoln’s Life

Read:

Martin Rising

Authors:

Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

With the Might of Angels

Author:

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Grades 6-8: Literacy

Primary sources such as photographs, newspapers, and letters, along  with physical objects like clothing or even a lock of hair help transport us back to the time in which these people lived.

The Library of Congress holds an incredible collection of primary sources related to both Lincoln and King.

Select some of these resources for your students to analyze with the LOC Primary Source Analysis tools. This will help them more deeply connect with and understand the books they are reading.

Abraham Lincoln Primary Source Set

Today in History: Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Have students select one primary source that they feel helps them best understand what Lincoln and/or MLK stood for. Then, ask them to use the CyArk Zoom and Camera tools to find evidence on the memorials the captures these traits.

President Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. share a horrible reality: they were both assassinated. These two books, written by James L. Swanson, tell the story of the men who are responsible.

The author discusses his writing process in the book trailers (below), noting that an important tool for him is the emphemora of the time. Try using these books as the basis of classroom book studies.

  1. Have students watch both the book trailers and then select the book they are most compelled to read.
  2. As they read, have them keep a journal to note details that might have come from primary sources or ephemera, and questions that develop as they read.
  3. Provide opportunities for partner or group discussion.
  4. Bring closure to the book studies by having book groups share with the entire class to compare the two books.

Read:

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

Chasing King’s Killer: The Hunt for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassin

Grades 6-8: Art & Technology: Clay and Stop Motion Animation

TECHNOLOGY

CyArk Mini Model Tool:

Through the use of the mini model tool, students will use the same data that was used to create the 3D model to see different perspectives of the monument so they can create their stop motion animation.

Stop Motion Animation:

Students will research the MLK or Lincoln monument and create a stop motion video that depicts the building of the monument. The video should be at least 20 seconds long when completed.

Steps for Stop Motion Animation:

Step 1: Set your scene

Step 2: Take a picture

Step 3: Make a small change

Step 4: Take a picture

Step 5: Make another small change

Step 6: Take a picture

Step 7: Make another small change

Step 8: Take a picture

Step 9: Repeat until you’re done!

ART

Clay:

Sculptors Li Yexin (Chinese Sculptor for the MLK monument) and Daniel Chester French and the Piccirilli Brothers (Sculptors and Carvers for the Lincoln monument) used clay for their initial models. The use of clay made it easier for them to make changes in their work.

Your task is to create a clay model of the monuments that integrates both designs. You can make your own clay or use purchased material. Be abstract in your design so that someone can recognize the monuments that it represents without it looking like the actual monument.

Resources:

How to Make Clay

Processing Clay

Sculpting with Clay

Watch:

TedTalk Pottery

NPS and Pottery

Read:

Ruth Asawa Drawing in Space

Author: Martha Chaser

Grades 9-12: Math: Trigonometry

CyArk Measuring Tape:

Students will be able to use the measuring tape to ascertain the right angles in the monuments.

CyArk Coordinate Grid:

The Coordinate Grid will allow students to have a standard unit and grid for taking measurements of the monument.

Teacher Talk: 

There are many famous monuments across the world and trigonometric ratios are used to measure them.

Questions: 

What is trigonometry? What foundations of mathematics are used? What do you need to know before you can perform these functions? How can you use right angles to measure the height of objects? What electronic devices can be used to measure distances and heights.

Task:

Given the two landmarks, students will perform trigonometric calculations based on the actual measurements of these monuments. Students will also draw a scale diagram of one of the monuments and indicate the right triangle they are calculating on the landmark.

Assessment: 

Compare answers. Take students outside to collaboratively measure the height of a tree. Assess their process. Ask students to explain their thinking.

Try:

If you have a 25 foot pole that is casting a 42 foot shadow- how can you find the angle?

What is the first thing you should do?

Vocabulary:

adjacent

angles

circle

cosine

domain

isosceles

protractor

right angle

sine

tangent

Trigonometry

Resources:

Monuments Around the World

Incredible Famous Buildings

Cyark Sites

Grades 9-12: Science: Acid Rain and Chemical Erosion

CyArk Camera:

The camera tool will allow students to document their findings.

Magnifying Glass:

The Magnifying Glass tool will allow students to see potential areas of erosion.

Teacher Talk:

Acid rain and chemical erosion can negatively affect the environment and construction. Architects and engineers are working to reduce acid rain effects on the National Mall Monuments.

Questions:

How does acid rain affect buildings and monuments? How do caretakers make sure that the monuments are not damaged? What are they using to repair them? What factories or industries around the area are contributing to this damage?

Task:

Your task is to research acid rain, conduct several lab tests on rocks using acids and bases, and then use your research to propose a law that prevents or limits factories and industries from burning fossil fuels.

Assessment: 

Design a rubric for your students that assess their knowledge and provide critique on their presentation.

Create:

Research and trace the origin of acid rain in DC. Write your own short story about the environmental effects of acid rain.

Vocabulary:

acids

acid rain

base

corrosion

fossil fuels

neutralize

nitrogen

oxidation

Sulfur

Watch:

What is Acid Rain?

Eroding the Past

Progress and Process NPS

Read:

Silent Spring

Author: Rachel Carson

Grades 9-12: National Parks and CyArk Engineering Challenge

Architects and designers have control over our built environment. They can change our proximity to nature by designing buildings that connect to nature rather than disconnect. Frank Lloyd Wright was a believer in this type of design. He believed in designing in harmony with humanity and its environment. He called this organic architecture. The Lincoln and MLK monuments are designed in that way. They compliment the trees, flowers, and reflecting pool that surrounds them. Your task is to search for a special place in your community that embraces nature and design a special monument or memorial that can live within that space. Your inspiration will be a place for people to gather; to think, to reflect, to meditate, or to just be. Search for your special place and then create your design. Reach out to local community members if you want to bring this design to life.

Grades 9-12: History: Leadership Lessons

CyArk Tools:

Use a combination of any or all of the  immersive experience CyArk tools to focus on this task.

Teacher Talk: 

Provide opportunity for students to discuss what they they have learned from MLK and Lincoln. Let them share their thoughts and feelings about where we are today as a country.

Questions: 

How can we use the lessons learned from MLK and Lincoln to inspire leaders in ourselves and others? What lessons speak to us?


Task: 

Your task is to learn from the words of MLK and Lincoln and write your own speech that shares where we are now as a nation. You can use quotes from both men as your reference points or use your own words. This is YOUR opinion. Be sure to speak on leadership and lessons learned. You will present your speech as if standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Assessment: 

Encourage students to publish their work on a class blog or on social media. Help  them find their voice.

Vocabulary:

charisma

competent

diversity

empathy

honesty

humility

integrity

leader

motivation

Objectivity

Leadership Books for Young Adults

The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People

Drive

The 360 Degree Leader

The One Thing You Need to Know

Watch:

Simon Sinek Leadership

Everyday Leadership

Resources:

MLK’s I Have a Dream Speech

MLK Speeches

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln Speeches

Grades 9-12: Literacy: Symbolism in Architecture

From prehistoric days of Stonehenge into modern days, humans have used architecture to provide not only shelter, but also symbolic representations of understandings and beliefs. The Lincoln and King memorials are riddled with symbolism. Help students examine the role that symbolism plays in monuments and memorials by first taking a close look at the CyArk 3D Lincoln Memorial and the CyArk 3D Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Have them use the Camera tool to take pictures of special symbols or markings they find on the memorials, such as inscriptions or shapes. What do they think those symbols or markings might mean?

Next, have them use the National Park Service pages on Symbolism in the Lincoln Monument and Symbolism in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Have them compare their initial impressions with the actual intentions of the the artists and architects who built the structures. How close were their initial thoughts?

Finally, have students write opinion pieces about what they’ve seen and read in connection with what they’ve learned about the history connected to these memorials. Do the memorials portray what they should?  Why or why not? What should be added or removed?

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas has been referred to as the To Kill A Mockingbird of Generation Z. Both books deal with racial inequities, hatred, and prejudice. As they learn the history of President Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., have them read one or both of these. Ask them to think about and discuss- how are these two important figures connected to these books? Then, ask them to examine/compare what they’ve read with what their world is now.  Have things changed?

For more reading on this topic:

The Narrative Arc

PBS 10 Books Besides To Kill A Mockingbird that Tackle Racial Injustice

The Hate You Give

By Angie Thomas

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee

Grades 9-12: Art & Technology: Photography and 3D Printing

TECHNOLOGY
CyArk 3D Printer:
 

Through the use of the 3D printer tool, students will use the same data that was used to create the 3D model to see different perspectives of the monument so they can create a 3D print of their design.

3D Printing:

Students will use a photo captured from the above tool or retrieve a royalty-free photo of the monuments and scan into Sketchup. After they scan- they will rotate the monument until they find the desired look. They will import into FlashPrint (free) to slice the image and then export to 3D printer to begin print. If students do not have access to a 3D printer, they may use art materials to build their design.

Resources:

SketchUp

Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing

STL Models

ART

Photography:

Students will find monuments, memorials, or landmarks in your community that tell a story. They will research the photography skills of:

Students will then take photos and choose 10 of them to share in a digital photostory on their own photography website.

Resources:                                   

Nat Geo Photography Tips

Digital Photography School

Using Strong Shadows

Watch:

Historic Photographers

How Photography Connects Us

Read:

Girl with A Camera: Margaret Bourke-White, Photographer

Author: Carolyn Meyer

Resources

MLK Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

If Rocks Could Talk

Geology

Celebrating MLK Day

Celebrating Presidents Day

Take a Virtual Trip to Memphis

Venn Diagram

Introduction to Chalk and Pastels

How to Draw

MLK Artist

Lincoln Artist

How to Draw Lincoln

How to Draw MLK

MLK and Lincoln’s Inspiring Words

Biomimicry Design Challenge

Nine Incredible Buildings

Nature-Inspired Solutions

Ask Nature

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Speech Text 

I Have A Dream Speech

Primary Resources

MLK’s I Have a Dream Speech

MLK Speeches

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln Speeches

How to Paint Portraits from Photographs

Painting Landscapes

MLK Paintings

Lincoln Paintings

History of MLK Memorial

History of Lincoln Memorial

How to Use Google Slides

Creating a StoryBoard

Perfect Buildings

Pylon of the Month

It’s All in the Detail

FlashPrint

Nature Erosion

Gone with the Weathering

Water, Wind, and Weather

MLK’s Life

Lincoln’s Life

How to Make Clay

Processing Clay

Sculpting with Clay

TedTalk Pottery

NPS and Pottery

Monuments Around the World

Incredible Famous Buildings

What is Acid Rain?

Eroding the Past

Progress and Process NPS

The 7 Habits for Highly

Effective People

Drive

The 360 Degree Leader

The One Thing You Need to Know

Simon Sinek Leadership

Everyday Leadership

The Narrative Arc

PBS 10 Books Besides To Kill A Mockingbird that Tackle Racial

Injustice

Nat Geo Photography Tips

Digital Photography School

Using Strong Shadows

Historic Photographers

How Photography Connects Us

SketchUp

Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing

STL Models

Links to Concept Maps for Content

and Grade Levels!

Monumental Ideas Lesson Plans