Be A Betsy Ross

The American flag displayed 13 stripes and 13 stars. These were symbols which were flown to show that 13 new states had become part of the world's nations. (Today’s flag has 50 stars, one for each state of the Union.)

Flags mean different things to different people. Interview a few people and ask how they feel about the American flag. What kind of memories and experiences does it bring to mind? Ask a veteran (if you don't know any veterans, visit your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars). Ask a young child. Ask someone from another country. Finally, ask yourself: What does the American flag mean to me? Find symbols that represent your thoughts and feelings and make a flag collage.

What you need

• Old magazines, postcards, maps, photos (ask permission!)
• Scissors
• Poster board
• Glue

After you've given some thought to what the flag means to you, go through the collection of old magazines, postcards, maps, and photos. Look for red, white, and blue images that represent what you feel about the Stars and Stripes. Cut them out and arrange them on the poster board in the shape of the flag. Glue the images to the poster board.