Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Overview

In this lesson students will learn what the Presidential Medal of Freedom is and find out who is eligible to receive this honor. Students will then create their own library of pamphlets that describe the lives of two recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Grade Levels

5 - 8

Objectives

Students will:

• explain what the Presidential Medal of Freedom is; and
• name five people who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and explain why these people received this honor.

Estimated Time

In class: 1 day

Research: 1 week

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: Notable Members of Congress
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Projection device

Procedure

1. Go to the Presidential Medal of Freedom Web site, and use a projection device to show students a picture of the medal. Ask students if they know what the Presidential Medal of Freedom is. Explain to students that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian award. Since 1963 Presidents have given this award to civilians who have made important contributions to the national interests of the United States.
2. Use a projection device to show students the Presidential Medal of Freedom section of the Notable Members of Congress E-Learning Module.
3. Ask each student to choose two recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, at least one of which should be a former Member of Congress. Tell students to create a pamphlet about each recipient he or she chose. Students can find information at the local library or visit the Presidential Medal of Freedom Web site. Each pamphlet should contain:
   • an originally composed and well-documented essay about the recipient
   • an introductory essay that is a personal commentary on how the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient has inspired others
   • original artwork depicting the actions of the recipients
4. When the students have finished with their projects, display them in the classroom library and allow students to read each other’s pamphlets.

Extension Activities

Ask students to conduct some research and find someone that they think should receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Have each student write an essay about why he or she thinks this person should receive this honor.

 

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

1. Explain what the Presidential Medal of Freedom is.
2. Name five people who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and explain why these people received this honor.

Scoring Guide for A Closer Look at Voting Patterns

Elements	Possible Score	Assigned Score	Notes
Correct Spelling	5
Correct Grammar (sentence structure, punctuation)	5
Good beginning, middle, and end	5
Each pamphlet contains an originally composed and well-documented essay about the recipient	30
Each pamphlet includes an introductory essay that is a personal commentary on how the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient has inspired others	30
Each pamphlet contains original artwork depicting the actions of the recipient	25

Lesson Plan Feedback

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