As we celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the United States this month, our students participated in a variety of patriotic projects. This month’s at-home STEAM activity continues the USA theme. As always, before we dive in, let’s enjoy a great book together for inspiration! Our July recommendation is The Biggest Flag That Ever Flew, by Rebecca C. Jones.
The story is a true account of the War of 1812, and tells a story that happened very close to home. In 1813, the commander of Fort McHenry in Baltimore commissioned a massive garrison flag measuring 42 ft × 30 ft.
Over six weeks, flag-maker Mary Pickersgill, her daughter Caroline, her mother, and a young Black indentured servant named Grace Wisher spent countless hours cutting and stitching the heavy wool.
During the September 1814 Battle of Baltimore, the British Navy bombarded the fort. The next morning, as the smoke cleared, the “gallantly streaming” flag remained waving over the ramparts. This giant flag inspired Francis Scott Key to pen a poem, which later became the U.S. National Anthem. Today, the actual flag that flew that day is preserved at the National Museum of American History.
Now that you’re fully immersed in the stars and stripes, let’s add a third “s” – science! Keep that patriotic spirit going with this simple Magic Star experiment. Using toothpicks and water, you and your future scientist will learn about capillary action and watch wood turn into wonder!
Click here for the Magic Star Experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands.
As always, be as creative as you want, and have lots of fun learning together!