Remember
September 11
(3-12)
Building
a Memory
(n38)
Subject
English,
visual arts
Objective
To
design/build a memorial to 9/11
Time
Needed
One
and a half to two hours
Materials
Boxes,
paper, markers, glue or tape, photo examples of
memorials
Lesson
Step
1: Present assignment….look at examples
to explore what elements are important in a Memorial…what
are our options…what is important to us
and our Memorial?
Step 2: Discuss: What do we want to remember?
Brainstorm words that focus on the rebuilding
of America and Community..We may remember some
negative feelings and actions but what do we want
to commemorate forever?…Bravery, Compassion,
Freedom, Pride , Patriotism, etc.
Step 3: Each student chooses one word from the
list….the word that reflects the value they
feel is integral to memorialize.
Step4: Each student chooses a box and covers it
with plain paper.
Step 5: Students write their word choice on the
box repeatedly, covering the box. The kind of
lettering can vary box to box and on each box
itself. There is no adornment beyond the words.
Step 6: Revisit architectural options. Construct
the monument one block at a time. Each member
of the “construction crew” places
his/her block on the site one by one paying attention
to his/her block in relation to the others. You
need not build a tower.
Step 7: Reflect and display memorial in the classroom
or somewhere within the school. This can be a
school wide effort if space is available for construction
and display.