Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Looking at Memorials"

September 11, 2001

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:37:49 GMT

September 11, 2001 was a shocking day in American history. By using this OurStory module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, children and adults can start discussing the events of that day through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around The Little Chapel that Stood a work of children's literature about a Ground Zero chapel that became a hub of rescue and recovery efforts, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

September 11: Bearing Witness to History

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:37:06 GMT

This online exhibition commemorates the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It includes highlights of the exhibition that was on display at the Museum from September 11, 2002 until July 6, 2003, including selected objects, photographs, personal stories and video. Students can also search over 100 objects related to the event from the Museum's collections, listen to oral histories of curators as they tell stories about collecting the objects, and have the opportunity to link to the September 11 Digital Archive in order to read unedited first-person accounts of the events of September 11 and then share their own memories. Some of the material included in the archive may not be suitable for young children.

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:58:40 GMT

The Pentagon Memorial Fund’s Web site offers an interactive map of the memorial, a video and other information about events on 9/11 both at and beyond the Pentagon, a space to read and share personal stories, and links to related organizations.

Reading The Little Chapel That Stood

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:54:02 GMT

Use this guide to actively read The Little Chapel that Stood, a picture book about September 11, 2001. Part of an OurStory module entitled September 11, 2001, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

Design Your Own Monument

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:15:42 GMT

Build a monument and think about monuments in Washington, DC and the history those monuments celebrate. This activity from Spark!Lab includes step-by-step directions, discussion questions, and ideas for extending your learning. Spark!Lab activities encourage young learners to explore the invention process, from creative ideas all the way to successful marketing.