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Lesson Plan Image

Welcome to America

Students will research the history of the Statue of Liberty and design a miniature replica of this towering symbol of freedom.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper
  • Recycled Plastic Water Bottle
  • Wire

Steps

  • Step 1

    The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in 1885 that symbolized friendship and liberty. It stands in New York Harbor and is a symbol of freedom and of welcoming immigrants arriving by sea. Have students research its history. Who designed it? What do its various components symbolize? Who wrote "The New Colossus," the poem that is inscribed on its pedestal, and what does it refer to?

  • Step 2

    Have students design and create a miniature replica of the majestic statue. They can begin by sketching an outline of it on plain or graph paper. To create the statue they can use a plastic water bottle wrapped with wire as an armature, then layer Model Magic on top of it. (For stability, they might want to add some sand to the bottom of the bottle.) When they're done applying the Model Magic, have them paint the statue.

  • Step 3

    While the paint is drying, ask students to write a brief piece about what Lady Liberty stands for and what freedom means to them.

  • Step 4

    Display the statues and the written pieces prominently in the classroom.

Standards

SS: Time, Continuity, and Change: Read, reconstruct, and interpret the past. Imagine the future. Place oneself in various times and spaces and reflect on change.

SS: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Examine various institutions that affect one’s life and influence people’s thinking and how they advocate for ideas they believe in.

Adaptations

Have students interview friends or family members about their family's countries of origin or their Indigenous histories. Ask them to write a passage about the interviewee's story and display them with the statues.

Ask students to research noted immigrants to the country and their contributions to history. Suggestions include Albert Einstein (Germany), Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of Congo), Arnold Schwarzenegger (Austria), Frida Kahlo (Mexico), and many others.