Warming us up for Independence Day every year is the usually quieter celebration of Flag Day, marked in the U.S. on June 14. Symbols are an important part of every culture, and the American flag is one of the most ubiquitous and recognizable symbols in our country. The history and symbolism of the flag are worth investigating with your students so we’ve collected some resources to help. Happy Flag Day!

Featured Resources

Content Collection: Flag Day
Discovery Education Streaming
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Assorted Resources

Distinguish fact from fiction as you learn about the history of the American flag. This symbol of our country has inspired poets and everyday people for centuries. The official adoption of the U.S. flag is celebrated on Flag Day, June 14.
 
American Flag
(Canadian Version)
Discovery Education Streaming
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Image

Color photograph of an American flag waving in the wind.
 
Flag Facts
Discovery Education Streaming
Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Full Video

This video presents the historical significance of twenty-two state flags. Watch as each part of the American flag gets evaluated and learn about the history of flags throughout the world.
 
The American Flag
Discovery Education Streaming, Social Studies Techbook
Grades 9-12, Video Segment

As with any long-standing piece of history, the American flag’s story is steeped in myth and mystery. Use these resources to debunk some myths and communicate the truth behind this important symbol.
 
The History of the American Flag
Discovery Education Streaming
Grades K-2, Video Segment

The American flag as we know it today developed from many sources.
 
The U.S. Flag: Proper Rules and Display
Discovery Education Streaming
Grades K-2, 3-5, Full Video

Learn proper techniques for displaying and respecting the American flag, including how to raise and lower a flag as well as a list of things that should never be done to a flag.
 
Planting a Flag on the Moon
(Canadian Version)
Discovery Education Streaming, Science Techbook
Grades 6-8, 9-12, Video Segment

When NASA’s astronauts planted an American flag on the surface of the moon, it appeared the flag was moving in a breeze, which conspiracy theorists point out couldn’t exist in the vacuum of space. The team experiments within a giant vacuum chamber to recreate the planting motion to see how the flag responds.

SOS Strategy

Spotlight on Strategies: Myth Bustin’!
(Canadian Version)
All Services
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Instructional Strategy

This teaching strategy mimics the scientific inquiry model used both on the popular television show, Mythbusters, as well as in the segment about the American flag on the moon. Create statements about the American flag’s history and symbolism and have students determine whether the statements are fact or fiction. This strategy helps students develop critical thinking, because they are required to examine and use evidence to support their claims.