Objective: 

Students will research important U.S. landmarks and symbols (e.g., the U.S. flag, the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol) and create a collage that represents these landmarks. They will use Creative Commons-licensed or public domain images and properly attribute each source to understand intellectual property rights and how to give credit to creators.

Materials Needed: 

• Magazines

• Printouts of public domain or Creative Commons images

• Paper

• Glue

• Markers

• Reference books or articles on U.S. landmarks

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Begin by discussing significant U.S. landmarks and symbols, asking, "Why are these symbols important to our country?" 

  • Explain that today students will create a collage representing some of these landmarks and symbols, using images found online or in magazines.

• Researching and Gathering Images: 

  • In small groups, students will research various U.S. symbols and landmarks and collect images of them using public domain or Creative Commons sources. 

  • Discuss how to properly credit these images by writing down the source of each image used, either on the back of the collage or as part of a credits section.

• Creating the Collage: 

  • Students will arrange their selected images on a piece of paper to create a collage of U.S. symbols and landmarks. 

  • Each image should have a corresponding attribution to show where it came from. Students will label each landmark and symbol, explaining its significance to the country.

• Reflection and Discussion: 

  • After completing their collages, students will share their work with the class, explaining the symbols they chose and why they are important. 

  • Discuss how giving credit to image sources is important, just like respecting someone else’s work or ideas.

Equity and Access: 

Provide printed images and easy-to-access public domain sources for students who need extra assistance with the project. Encourage collaboration and pairing students with varied skill levels.

Real-World Application: 

Connect this activity to the broader idea of respecting others' creative work, whether it's in art, music, writing, or online content, and how this respect builds a strong community.

CS Practice(s):

• Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture: Students learn how to give appropriate credit when using images of landmarks, fostering an understanding of the importance of respecting the work of others.

• Communicating About Computing: Students explain the significance of the landmarks in their collages and communicate the sources of their images, highlighting their awareness of intellectual property.

Standard(s): 

• CA HSS.3.4.4

• CA CS 3-5.AP.16

Objective: 

Students will create a program in a coding platform like Scratch that introduces important U.S. symbols, such as the U.S. flag, the Statue of Liberty, and the bald eagle. They will incorporate public domain or Creative Commons-licensed images and sounds, ensuring proper attribution. This lesson integrates computational thinking through creating digital artifacts and observing intellectual property rights.

Materials Needed: 

• Computers or tablets

• Access to Creative Commons and public domain images and sounds

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Begin by discussing key U.S. symbols and why they are important. 

  • Ask, "How could you teach others about these symbols through an interactive program?" 

  • Introduce Scratch or another favorite coding platform as a tool to create an interactive project that explains these symbols.

• Designing the Program: 

  • In pairs, students will plan a program in a coding platform that presents various U.S. symbols. 

  • They will choose images and sounds that represent each symbol, such as a picture of the Statue of Liberty or a sound clip of the national anthem. 

  • They will use public domain or Creative Commons sources and make sure to give proper attribution in their code or on a credits page.

• Creating the Program: 

  • Students will use a coding platform to build their interactive project. 

  • They will use events and animations to display each symbol, along with a description. 

  • For example, clicking the U.S. flag might play a sound clip of the national anthem, and a description will explain the flag's significance. 

  • Each symbol will have proper attribution listed in the program.

• Testing and Refining: 

  • After completing their programs, students will test them to ensure all images and sounds work correctly and the attributions are clear. 

  • They will refine their work based on feedback from their peers and teachers.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Each group will present their program, explaining how they selected images and sounds and how they gave proper credit. 

  • Lead a discussion on why it is important to respect intellectual property, both in programming and in the real world.

Equity and Access: 

Provide pre-made templates or starter projects in Scratch for students who need extra support. Pair students with different levels of experience in coding to promote peer learning.

Real-World Application: 

Discuss how digital creators—whether they are artists, programmers, or designers—must always be mindful of intellectual property and give proper credit when using others’ work.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use a coding platform to create a digital project that introduces U.S. symbols, integrating animations, sound, and interactivity.

• Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture: Students learn to respect intellectual property by incorporating public domain or Creative Commons images and giving proper attribution within their programs.

Standard(s): 

• HSS.3.4.4

• CA CS 3-5.AP.16