Learn About the Chicago Flag
The city of Chicago has a very distinctive flag, with stars and stripes just like the American flag, only these stand for something entirely different. The flag has alternating white and blue stripes. The two blue stripes represent the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The white stripes represent the different neighborhoods that Chicago is distinguished by-- North, South and West. The four stars in the center of the flag represent Fort Dearborn, The Great Chicago Fire, and the two World’s Fairs. Using the printout as a guide, have children create their own Chicago flag magnet.
Chicago Flag: Lesson 1 Printout
Supplies:
- Magnets
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Markers
Instructions:
Create a rectangular white rectangle which will be the back field of the flag. Create two white stripes and four red stars with construction paper, or color them onto the white field with marker. Use glue stick to attach the flag to the magnet and stick it up on the fridge with the rest of your magnet collection.
Learn About the Ferris Wheel
Chicago is famous for its very large Ferris Wheel that sits on Navy Pier. The first Ferris Wheel ever constructed was done right in Chicago for the 1893 World’s Fair, and even though this is not the same wheel and smaller, Chicago has always had a Ferris Wheel. Read more about the Ferris Wheel and why it was such an important invention. Help children create their own Ferris Wheel pinwheels.
Pinwheel Craft Tutorial
Book about the invention of the Ferris Wheel: https://amzn.to/2uRamep
Supplies:
- Construction Paper
- Wood Pencil
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Pushpin
Instructions:
Follow pinwheel tutorial to create, instead of drawing out stars and stripes, create an image of the Ferris Wheel on each section so that the image of a Ferris Wheel spinning appears on your pinwheel.
Learn About Chicago Public Art
Chicago is a great city for public art, and a lot of it is incredibly fun for children to interact with. One of the newest, and now most iconic, pieces of public art is Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, in Millenium Park. Children love looking at their changing reflection in the different faces of the Bean. Help children create their own piece of public art and bring The Bean home with them.
Supplies:
- Thin Cardboard
- Aluminum Foil
- Scissors
- Pencils
Instructions:
Trace and cut out a kidney bean shape, that resembles Cloud Gate, from the piece of light cardboard. Cover the entire piece of cardboard with a sheet of aluminum foil and secure it.
Learn About Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan played a huge part in the development of the city of Chicago, and still does to this day. The lake is Chicago’s gem, where everyone goes at the end of the week when they need a break. Lake Michigan plays a huge recreational role in the lives of most Chicagoans and on any given day you can see hundreds of power and sailboats out on the Lake. Help children create and name a sailboat of their own before taking them to spend a day at the Lake.
Paper Sailboat Tutorial
Supplies:
- Paper Bowl
- Scissors
- Toilet Paper Tube
- Craft Stick
- Construction Paper
- Markers
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
Follow tutorial instructions to complete paper sailboat.
What are your favorite places to travel as a family? What tips do you have for teaching city history?
We dont travel much it isnt in the budget I am afraid. We do go on one dayroad trips now and then and do try and go to local event.
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