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Today’s Adventure: Mount Rushmore! – National symbols significance – Symbols like Mount Rushmore represent our country’s history and values. – Landmarks and monuments – Landmarks are places of importance; monuments celebrate something special. – Mount Rushmore’s history – Carved into the Black Hills, it honors four U.S. presidents who helped shape America. – Why it’s a national treasure – It reminds us of our past leaders and their contributions to our country. | This slide introduces Mount Rushmore within the context of American symbols, landmarks, and monuments. Begin by discussing the role of national symbols in representing the ideals and history of the United States. Explain that landmarks and monuments are physical structures or places that hold significance, either due to historical events, notable contributions to the country, or unique natural features. Dive into the history of Mount Rushmore, detailing its creation and the presidents depicted: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Emphasize its importance as a national treasure, serving as a reminder of the country’s heritage and the values upheld by these leaders. Encourage students to think about what these symbols mean to them and to recognize the importance of preserving such monuments for future generations.

Exploring Mount Rushmore – Mount Rushmore: A US landmark – It’s known for its huge carved faces – Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills – Home to this monument is rich in nature – Features four presidential faces – Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, Lincoln – Symbol of American history | Mount Rushmore is an iconic symbol of the United States, representing four of the nation’s most revered presidents. It’s carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This monument celebrates American history and democracy. The presidents depicted are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, chosen for their significant contributions to the country. When discussing this slide, emphasize the location’s natural beauty and the engineering feat of the sculpture. Encourage students to think about why these presidents might have been chosen and what each one represents in American history.

The Four Presidents of Mount Rushmore – George Washington: First President – Known as the ‘Father of Our Country’ – Thomas Jefferson: Declaration Author – He penned the famous Declaration of Independence – Theodore Roosevelt: Conservation Leader – He helped build the Panama Canal and loved nature – Abraham Lincoln: Civil War President – Guided the USA through its Civil War period | This slide introduces the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore, a symbol of American history and democracy. Each president was chosen for their significant contributions to the country. George Washington is recognized as a founding father and the nation’s first president. Thomas Jefferson is celebrated for writing the Declaration of Independence. Theodore Roosevelt is remembered for his contributions to conservation and the construction of the Panama Canal. Abraham Lincoln is honored for his leadership during the Civil War. Encourage students to think about why these presidents might have been chosen for Mount Rushmore and what qualities they showed that made them great leaders.

Why These Presidents on Mount Rushmore? – Presidents symbolize US history – Each face on Mount Rushmore tells a part of our country’s story. – Represent birth of the nation – George Washington’s face represents the nation’s founding. – Reflect growth and development – Thomas Jefferson’s face shows how the country expanded. – Embody preservation of the USA – Abraham Lincoln’s face symbolizes the nation’s endurance. | This slide aims to explain to third-grade students the significance of the four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore and what they represent in American history. George Washington signifies the birth of the United States, Thomas Jefferson represents the growth through the Louisiana Purchase, Theodore Roosevelt reflects the development with the Panama Canal, and Abraham Lincoln embodies the preservation of the nation during the Civil War. Encourage students to think about what these presidents did for the country and how these actions have shaped the nation. This will help them understand why these particular figures were chosen to be immortalized in stone and what they stand for in the context of American symbols, landmarks, and monuments.

The Making of Mount Rushmore – Mount Rushmore’s granite face – A massive sculpture carved into a mountain – Work span: 1927 to 1941 – 14 years of dedication and labor – Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum – Gutzon Borglum led the project – Assisted by son, Lincoln Borglum – Lincoln Borglum continued his father’s legacy | Mount Rushmore is a monumental granite sculpture that represents the first 150 years of the history of the United States with the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The work began in 1927 and took 14 years to complete, with Gutzon Borglum as the lead sculptor. After his passing, his son, Lincoln Borglum, continued the work. This slide aims to give students an understanding of the effort and time that went into creating this national treasure. Discuss the challenges faced during construction and the techniques used to carve the mountain. Encourage students to think about the dedication of the workers and the significance of the monument in American history.

The Significance of Mount Rushmore – Symbolizes freedom and democracy – Represents core American values – Reflects on American history – Honors past US leaders and events – Hosts over two million visitors yearly – Shows its importance as a national monument | Mount Rushmore is more than just a monument; it’s a symbol of the American ideals of freedom and democracy. The faces of four great presidents are carved into the mountain, reminding us of the country’s history and the leaders who helped shape it. This national memorial also serves as a place where people can come to reflect on the past and learn about the significant events that have occurred in the United States. With over two million visitors each year, it’s clear that Mount Rushmore holds a special place in the hearts of Americans and tourists from around the world. When discussing this slide, emphasize the importance of these symbols in American culture and encourage students to think about what these symbols mean to them personally and to the nation.

Fun Facts About Mount Rushmore – Presidents’ noses are 20 feet long – Hidden chamber behind Lincoln’s head – Called the ‘Hall of Records’, it’s not open to the public – Zero fatalities during construction – Mount Rushmore’s grand scale – The monument is 60 feet high, as tall as a 6-story building! | This slide is designed to captivate the students’ interest with some engaging trivia about Mount Rushmore. Emphasize the immense size of the sculpture by comparing the 20-foot-long noses to something familiar, like a school bus. Discuss the ‘Hall of Records’ behind Lincoln’s head, which was intended to hold important documents but remains incomplete and closed to visitors. Highlight the remarkable safety record during its construction, which took 14 years (1927-1941). Lastly, give a sense of scale by comparing the 60-foot-high faces to a building they might know. These facts can help students appreciate the monument’s significance and the effort behind its creation.

Class Activity: Create Your Own Monument – Imagine being a sculptor – Choose figures for your monument – Think about leaders, heroes, or famous Americans – Create a model with clay or playdough – Use your hands to shape and mold your figures – Present your monument to the class – Tell us who they are and why they’re important | This activity is designed to let students apply their knowledge of American symbols and figures creatively. Provide a variety of clay or playdough for students to use. Before they begin, have a discussion about notable American figures and what makes someone worthy of being memorialized. Encourage students to think critically about their choices and the reasons behind them. As they present, guide them to speak clearly and confidently about their work. Possible variations of the activity could include drawing their monument, writing a description, or creating a collage if materials for sculpting are not available.