Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Making the Star-Spangled Banner Homepage"

The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem Homepage

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:31:58 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will explore the story of the Star-Spangled Banner by learning about the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore; Mary Pickersgill and the making of the flag; Francis Scott Key and the song that became the national anthem; the legacy of the flag and its use as a patriotic symbol; and the efforts undertaken to preserve the flag as a national treasure. This resource includes interactive activities and educational resources that can be used to further enhance this exploration of the flag that inspired the national anthem.

A History of the War of 1812 and The Star-Spangled Banner

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:54:19 GMT

Using this classroom activity, students will be able to cite the origins and outcome of the War of 1812 and be able to place the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner in a chronological framework. The activity includes a narrative about the war of 1812 and the history of the Star-Spangled Banner, vocabulary, discussion questions and extension activities. It is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:53:23 GMT

This website from the National Park Service is a helpful resource for anyone who is interested in visiting Fort McHenry or learning more about it. A photo gallery and brief historical essays describe the fort, its defenders and the various roles that Fort McHenry has played in different periods of American history, from its construction to the present day. Kids and teachers sections include lesson plans, field trip planning guides and suggested activities for visitors.

Historians are Detectives

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:03:24 GMT

In the classroom activity, students will be able to explain the difference between primary and secondary sources, and explain how the value of using primary sources is important to history. By using primary sources to answer a series of questions, they will see that, much like detectives, historians have to prove that their answers are correct by providing evidence. This activity is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem.

Music, Poetry and History: The National Anthem

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:56:25 GMT

The national anthem describes an actual event in American history. In this classroom activity, students will be able to recite the first verse and paraphrase "The Star-Spangled Banner." Students will also be able to explain why Francis Scott Key wrote these words in 1814. This activity is included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem.