Social Studies
Lesson Plan

Summit Celebration Symbols: Special Project

Teacher Directions:
A symbol can be anything that stands for an idea, feeling, community or place. You can find symbols in the form of illustrations or flags, letter symbols, gestures, spoken words or objects.

When climbers reach the summit of a mountain, they will often leave a flag to represent their climb. It may be the flag of their country, of a sponsor or of a cause. It may represent a group of people the climbers care about.

We are hoping that Ed and his team will reach the summit soon. They would like you to come up with symbols and flags that could be used to celebrate the climb and, hopefully, the reaching of the summit.

They ask that you send digital photos of your flags, symbols or celebrations to the expedition sponsor — who will select photos for display on the EverestQuest Web site. We cannot promise that we will post each photo, but we’ll try to select photos that effectively represent how your community connects with the purpose of this expedition.

First, read Expedition Goals. In this journal, which was written before the expedition began, Ed describes some of his reasons for climbing and, in particular, his reasons for climbing Mt. Everest. Discuss in detail your understanding of why Ed is taking on this challenge. Use the left circle on the Venn* diagram to write why you think Ed is climbing Mt. Everest.

Now brainstorm qualities, ideas, words, objects or anything else that could be symbols for your classroom and community. These symbols could represent ethnic backgrounds, local history, local geography or landmarks, foods or other cultural traditions, accomplishments, special efforts or anything else you feel is important to your community. Write some of these things on the right circle of the Venn* diagram.

Use the center of the diagram to write things that may be in common between Ed’s purpose and your community. Use construction paper to create flags that represent these commonalities.

Have a ceremony to present your flags. Be prepared to explain the symbolism of your flag. Share your favorite moment or story from the expedition so far. Express your feelings and best wishes to the expedition team.

Take digital photos of your flags or your celebration and email them to Therese LaCanne:

Deadline for digital photo submissions is midnight (CST),
Wednesday, October 10, 2001.

Resources:
Expedition Goals

Activity Sheet:
Venn*

Assessment:
Social Studies Assessment Sheet*