Curated OER
By Dawn's Early Light
Fourth graders explore the history of the "Star-Spangled Banner". In the process, they explore how the lyrics of a song can be a form of poetry and the principles of cause and effect. After a class discussion, 4th graders complete a...
Curated OER
Star -Spangled Illustrations
Third graders create a PowerPoint presentation to show their patriotism and express their thoughts on the meaning of The Star-Spangled Banner with this exciting and creative activity.
Curated OER
One Song, Many Voices
Students discuss the purpose and meaning of the song "One Song, Many Voices" and how the music expresses the composer's message. Students sing, conduct, and analyze two different songs during the lesson in a choir setting. This lesson is...
Curated OER
The Star-Spangled Banner
Students sing the national anthem and analyze the lyrics. They work in cooperative groups to sequence the lyrics, research the cultural and historical context of the anthem and record a class performance.
Curated OER
A Wing and a Prayer
Fourth graders improvise missing harmony accompaniment for a soloist performing "The Star Spangled Banner." Groups select several familiar melodies that they can produce while individual students take turns improvising a new harmony part.
Curated OER
Introduction to American Literature
Eleventh graders define freedom, write about what the Star Spangled Banner means to them, and in cooperative groups write a new verse to the national anthem.
Curated OER
Star-Spangled Banner Interview
Fourth graders, working in pairs, interview either Dr. Beanes, Francis Scott Key, or General Robert Ross about the events that led to Francis Scott Key being aboard the ship during the bombing of Fort McHenry. One person interviews the...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian: Plans for the 200th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner
September 14th, 2014 will be the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner. Learn about the Smithsonian's plans for celebrating this important historical event.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Cast Your Vote 1812
It is May 1812. America is on the brink of war and President James Madison is encouraging you to listen to different perspectives of possible outcomes. What do you think of the issues- and the decision to go to war? Listen and read about...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Maryland Day, March 25, 1634
Features a brief overview of the history of Maryland, and the origin of Maryland Day. Also showcases several historical photos of Maryland from an aerial view.
Library of Congress
Loc: Star Spangled Banner Song
A look at the origins of the American National Anthem. Verses were added and changed over the years until the 'Star Spangled Banner' evolved into its present-day form.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner
This resource provides information about the history of the flag, and events of 1814 that affected Francis Scott Key, author of the anthem.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem
Use this site to discover the history of the flag that was the inspiration for our national anthem. Take the quiz and test your knowledge of the American flag. Included is information about the War of 1812.
Vocabulary.com
The Star Spangled Banner
This site contains a list of 15 words from "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem written by Francis Scott Key. Teachers can digitally assign this list to their students to reinforce the spellings, pronunciations, and meanings...
Library of Congress
Loc: Patriotic Melodies
The Library of Congress site profiles 26 American patriotic songs with commentary, supporting visual material, and recordings of "America the Beautiful," "Fanfare for the Common Man" and the like.
Other
All Four Stanzas: The National Anthem
Asimov (1920-1992 CE) explains the background for the National Anthem and provides the lyrics for all four verses.
Other
The War of 1812: Battle of Baltimore
Brief overview through video and text of the Battle of Baltimore as the turning point in the War of 1812 and place where Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Mc Henry
The National Park Service maintains the famous fort that is known for the creation of the Star Spangled Banner. Site provides a menu of items for related information.
Read Works
Read Works: O Say, Can You . . . Sing?
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about teaching people the words to the national anthem. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The War of 1812
This Khan Academy resource provides information about the War of 1812, including the surround issues before and after the fighting of it.
abcteach
Abcteach: People
[Free Registration/Login Required] Print worksheets from biographies and autobiographies from famous people such as Sally Ride, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Francis Scott Key, Alexander the Great and many more.
PBS
Pbs Lesson Plan: The American Flag
A lesson from the (9-11-01) PBS, "America Responds," series where students examine the history, importance, and pride associated with the American Flag. This lesson engages students in discussion and a variety of "patriotic" activities...
Other
Our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner
This site contains the words to "The Star Spangled Banner". Also includes an audio of the song.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Songs and Oaths: "The Star Spangled Banner"
Historical background information is provided for our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," along with the written text of the words. Links to more resources.