Patriotic Symbols and Practices
Session 7: The Washington Monument

Materials

• Illustrations of the Washington Monument
• Books about the Washington Monument
• Clean, empty milk cartons
• White construction paper

Instructional Activities

1. Review symbols previously introduced in this organizing topic.
   
   
2. Display pictures, drawings, or posters of the Washington Monument. Discuss the reason the monument is called the “Washington” monument. Review the significance of George Washington and Washington, D.C. Use a map to locate Washington, D.C.
   
   
3. Visit the Washington Monument Web site with students (see <http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/wa_monument.html>), or read a book to students about the monument.
   
   
4. Discuss interesting facts about the monument.
   •    The monument is a symbol that honors our first president, George Washington.
   •    The monument is made of marble and weighs as much as 15,000 African elephants.
   •    The building has the shape of a tall, pointed needle.
   •    There are 897 steps inside the monument. People use an elevator to reach the top.
   •    There are windows at the very top for people to see all of Washington, D.C.
   •    On February 22, 1885 (George Washington’s birthday), a ceremony was held to celebrate completion of the monument.
   
   
5. Have students construct mini-Washington Monuments out of empty milk cartons. They can cover them with white construction paper.