Introduction
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, has a rich and storied history that can be explored through the study of its flags. By teaching students about the flags of Alaska, educators can help them delve into the fascinating past of this unique state while also encouraging creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. This article will outline the importance of teaching kids about Alaska’s flags and provide an overview of their history and symbolism.
Why Teach Students About Alaska’s Flags?
Studying flags is an excellent method for teaching students about geography, history, culture, and symbolism. By analyzing different elements of a flag design, young learners can develop visual literacy skills that will help them decode meaning from complex symbols. Moreover, this subject matter piques students’ interest in various aspects of Alaskan heritage and identity.
History of the Alaska State Flag
The current Alaska state flag was designed by Benny Benson, a 13-year-old student who was participating in a competition for Alaskan kids in 1927. The contest asked students to come up with a flag that would represent all aspects of Alaska – its rich culture, distinct geography, and fascinating history.
Benny’s design is simple but striking – a dark blue background with eight gold stars. According to Benson, the blue background represents the evening sky over Alaska. The large star is meant to symbolize the North Star—both indicating that Alaska is the northernmost state in the union and representing future statehood.
The other seven stars stand for the famous constellation Ursa Major or The Big Dipper—a symbol present on several iterations of Alaskan flags over time. The Big Dipper provides a celestial guide to find Polaris (the North Star) and draws attention to Alaska’s distinctive location.
Previous Flags in Alaska’s History
Before achieving statehood in 1959, Alaska went through several previous flags that represented the various stages of its history. These include:
Russian American Flag (1799-1867): Alaska was a Russian territory for nearly 70 years. During this time, the Russian-American Company flag, featuring the Russian double-headed eagle against a red background, represented Alaska.
United States Territory Flag (1867-1927): Following the sale of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867, the Stars and Stripes represented Alaska as a U.S. territory until Benny Benson’s design was adopted as the official state flag.
Activities to Engage Students in Learning About Alaska Flags
To help students fully appreciate and understand the importance of flags in Alaska’s history, teachers can implement engaging classroom activities such as:
Flag Design Contest: Like Benny Benson, students can participate in a contest to design their own flags that represent what they consider important aspects of Alaskan culture, history, or geography.
Flag Timeline: Encourage students to create a visual timeline depicting how Alaska’s flags have changed over time while noting key historical events.
Constellation Study: Task your class with identifying and drawing constellations found on Alaska’s flag and explaining their significance in relation to the state.
Conclusion
Teaching students about the evolution and symbolism of Alaska’s flags is an invaluable way to explore the state’s vibrant history while fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. By incorporating engaging classroom activities around these emblematic symbols, educators can inspire a new generation of curious learners passionate about discovering more about Alaska’s unique past and cultural heritage.
