Mount Rushmore is a symbol of America’s history that is recognized all around the globe. Carved into the side of a mountain, Mount Rushmore is a work of art that is unparalleled in terms of its design and scale. It’s important to teach children about this monument as it holds significant importance in American history. By engaging students in activities related to Mount Rushmore, they will gain a deeper understanding of how this iconic monument came about.
Here are some classroom activities you can use to teach your students about Mount Rushmore:
1. Create a Miniature Mount Rushmore:
You can ask the students to create miniature Mount Rushmore figures out of clay or any sculpting material. This will help them to understand the intricate details involved in designing such a monument. To make it more interactive, ask them to research about the sculptors, design elements and symbolism behind the monument.
2. Make Your Own Mount Rushmore:
This is a group activity that will give students a hands-on experience in creating their own monument. Divide the class into groups and give them each a box of modeling clay and a template of Mount Rushmore. Ask each group to create their own mini mountain and sculpture of Mount Rushmore in it. This will give them an idea of what it took to create such a huge monument.
3. Create a Timeline:
Prepare a timeline of the history of Mount Rushmore and its significance. You can include the construction of the monument, the symbolism behind it, and the notable events that took place on/near Mount Rushmore. Ask the students to research and present their findings by creating a timeline of events.
4. Creating a virtual tour of Mount Rushmore:
You can use online resources to create a virtual tour of Mount Rushmore for your students. Provide the students with information about the monument and ask them to create a virtual tour guide for the monument. This is a fun and interactive way to engage students in learning more about the monument.
5. Create a Storyboard:
Creating a storyboard is another great way to teach children about Mount Rushmore. Ask students to create a storyboard depicting the history of Mount Rushmore, its design, and the process of creating the monument. This is an effective way to teach students about the intricate sculptures on the monument and the importance of preserving it.
In conclusion, educating children about Mount Rushmore is an important part of their understanding of American history. These activities will not only make the lesson fun and interesting, but it will also help to deepen children’s knowledge about the monument and the meaning behind it. Making learning interactive and engaging are key components for student success.
