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Exploring Mount Rushmore: An American Icon – Introduction to American symbols – Engage with students’ knowledge – Ask students to name symbols or landmarks they know – Unveil Mount Rushmore – A monument carved into a mountain in South Dakota – Discuss its significance – Symbol of American history and democracy | This slide is designed to introduce students to the concept of American symbols and landmarks, with a focus on Mount Rushmore. Begin by discussing the importance of symbols and landmarks in representing a country’s history and values. Engage the students by asking them to share any American symbols or landmarks they already know, which may include the Statue of Liberty, the American flag, or the Bald Eagle. Then, introduce Mount Rushmore, explaining that it features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountain, and discuss its significance as a representation of American leadership and democracy. Encourage students to think about what each of the four presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) might represent in terms of American ideals and achievements.

Exploring Mount Rushmore – Mount Rushmore symbolizes history – A tribute to America’s past leaders and their achievements – Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills – A region known for its natural beauty and historical significance – Features four U.S. presidents – Portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into granite – Represents American democracy – Emphasizes the importance of leadership and freedom in U.S. history | Mount Rushmore is an iconic American monument that represents the nation’s history and democratic values. It is situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, an area revered for its scenic landscapes and rich history. The monument features the faces of four influential U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, each chosen for their significant contributions to the country. This slide aims to introduce students to Mount Rushmore’s symbolism, location, and the presidents depicted, while also discussing its role in representing the principles of American democracy. Encourage students to reflect on what each president accomplished and why these leaders were selected for this honor.

The History of Mount Rushmore – Created by Gutzon Borglum and son – Gutzon began the sculpture, Lincoln finished it – Work spanned from 1927 to 1941 – 14 years of dedication and hard work – Four presidents carved into the mountain – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln – Significance of these leaders – They represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation | This slide delves into the history of Mount Rushmore, starting with its creation by Gutzon Borglum and later his son, Lincoln Borglum. The work, which began in 1927 and was completed in 1941, is a monumental tribute to four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These figures were chosen to represent key aspects of American history: the nation’s birth (Washington), growth (Jefferson), development (Roosevelt), and preservation (Lincoln). Discuss with students the significance of these presidents and how Mount Rushmore serves as a symbol of American ideals and achievements. Encourage them to think about what each president contributed to the country and why they might have been selected for this honor.

George Washington at Mount Rushmore – First U.S. President – ‘Father of Our Country’ – Leader in American independence – Led the Revolutionary War for freedom – His legacy at Mount Rushmore – Washington’s face symbolizes freedom and leadership | This slide focuses on George Washington, one of the four presidents whose likeness is carved into Mount Rushmore. As the first President of the United States, he is often referred to as the ‘Father of Our Country’ for his leadership during the American Revolution and his role in forming the new nation. His face on Mount Rushmore is a symbol of the freedom and leadership that he represents. When discussing this slide, emphasize Washington’s contribution to American independence and how Mount Rushmore serves as a monument to his and other presidents’ legacies. Encourage students to reflect on why George Washington was chosen to be immortalized in this national monument.

Thomas Jefferson and Mount Rushmore – Third U.S. President – Led the U.S. from 1801-1809 – Wrote Declaration of Independence – He helped establish U.S. freedom – Made the Louisiana Purchase – Doubled U.S. size in 1803 – His face is on Mount Rushmore – Honored for his contributions | This slide introduces Thomas Jefferson, one of the four presidents whose likeness is carved into Mount Rushmore. As the third president of the United States, Jefferson was a significant figure in American history. He was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, a document that declared the thirteen colonies’ independence from British rule. His presidency is also known for the Louisiana Purchase, which greatly expanded the territory of the United States. Jefferson’s inclusion on Mount Rushmore is a tribute to his lasting impact on the nation’s development. Encourage students to discuss why Jefferson’s achievements were important enough to be immortalized in this way.

Theodore Roosevelt at Mount Rushmore – 26th U.S. President – Roosevelt served from 1901 to 1909 – Leader in the Progressive Era – He worked for fairness in business and labor – Key figure in Panama Canal – The canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans – Nobel Peace Prize laureate – He won the prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War peace | Theodore Roosevelt, whose face is carved into Mount Rushmore, was the 26th President of the United States. He is remembered for his strong leadership during the Progressive Era, advocating for reforms that aimed to eliminate corruption and ensure fairness in business and labor. His efforts in the construction of the Panama Canal revolutionized trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Additionally, Roosevelt’s role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. When discussing Roosevelt, emphasize his contributions to American infrastructure, international diplomacy, and the Progressive movement, all of which are symbolized by his presence on Mount Rushmore.

Abraham Lincoln at Mount Rushmore – Lincoln: 16th U.S. President – Lincoln led the country from 1861-1865 – Guided the U.S. through Civil War – His leadership helped end the Civil War – Issued Emancipation Proclamation – This proclamation freed the slaves – Worked to preserve the Union – He aimed to keep the country united | This slide focuses on Abraham Lincoln, one of the four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore. As the 16th president, Lincoln is remembered for leading the United States through its Civil War, a tumultuous time that threatened to split the nation. His issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was a significant step towards ending slavery. Lincoln’s efforts were crucial in preserving the Union. When discussing this slide, emphasize Lincoln’s leadership qualities and his dedication to equality and unity. Encourage students to reflect on why Lincoln’s legacy is commemorated at Mount Rushmore and how his actions still impact America today.

The Making of Mount Rushmore – Tools used to carve the mountain – Drills, dynamite, and chisels were key tools. – Challenges during construction – Harsh weather and dangerous heights were big challenges. – The dedicated workers – Over 400 workers helped, including miners and sculptors. – Mount Rushmore’s significance | This slide aims to give students an understanding of the effort and skill that went into creating Mount Rushmore. Discuss the various tools such as jackhammers, dynamite, and hand chisels that were used to intricately carve the faces of the presidents into the granite. Highlight the challenges faced, including extreme weather conditions, the height at which workers had to operate, and the inherent dangers of working with explosives. Acknowledge the hard work of the 400 workers who spent years on the project, emphasizing the teamwork and dedication involved. Conclude by reflecting on why Mount Rushmore is an important national symbol and how it commemorates American history and democracy.

Mount Rushmore Today: A National Treasure – Reflect on history and patriotism – A symbol of American pride and past leaders – Welcomes over two million visitors – People from all over come to see the monument – Efforts in preservation – Keeping the site safe for future generations – The surrounding Black Hills – The natural beauty of the area around the monument | This slide aims to give students a current perspective on Mount Rushmore, emphasizing its importance as a place for reflection on American history and patriotism. Highlight the monument’s popularity, with over two million visitors each year, showing its significance as a national landmark. Discuss the ongoing preservation efforts to maintain the integrity of the monument for future generations. Also, touch upon the natural surroundings, including the Black Hills, which add to the monument’s grandeur and the visitor experience. Encourage students to think about the importance of preserving historical landmarks and the role these sites play in American culture and identity.

Class Activity: Design Your Monument – Imagine being a sculptor – Choose four faces for your monument – Think about people who inspire you or have made a difference – Draw your monument – Share reasons and present – Be ready to explain why you chose each person | This activity encourages creativity and critical thinking as students reflect on important figures in history or their lives. Provide drawing materials and guide them to consider why certain individuals are commemorated. Encourage them to think about contributions to society, inspirational actions, or personal significance. After drawing, create a gallery walk where students can view each other’s work and discuss their choices. This will foster a deeper understanding of the significance of monuments and the values they represent. Possible variations of the activity could include creating a collage, using digital tools to design the monument, or writing a short essay about their choices.