1. Eagle Crafts
Introduction: The eagle. This United States National signifies pride for its citizens. However, when
presented with this national emblem what do people really know about it and why it was chosen?
Students can get the chance to learn about the symbol of America and create one themselves.
Subject Areas:Art, Social Studies
Grade Level: K-8
Lesson Objectives:
1) To understand the definition of the eagle symbol
2) Examine why the eagle was chosen as our national symbol
3) Students will follow directions and be able to create chosen project
4) Identifying their project as a symbolic representation of their country
5) To identify their personal connection with the symbol and our nation
Relevant National Standards:
National Art Standards
UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING MEDIA, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCESSES
CHOOSING AND EVALUATING A RANGE OF SUBJECT MATTER, SYMBOLS, AND IDEAS
UNDERSTANDING THE VISUAL ARTS IN RELATION TO HISTORY AND CULTURES
MAKING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN VISUAL ARTS AND OTHER DISCIPLINES
National Social Studies Standards

2. THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES: DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND VALUES AND THE
PEOPLE FROM MANY CULTURES WHO CONTRIBUTED TO ITS CULTURAL, ECONOMIC,
AND POLITICAL HERITAGE
Estimated Time: One to two 40 minute classes
Materials Needed:(Depending on the project)
1) http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mbagbaldeagle.htm Creating the paper bag eagle puppet
you will need: scissors, crayons, construction paper or printer paper, printer, glue, and a paper
lunch bag
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj9gH1VTwI4 Making feather earrings or necklaces. You can
find eagle feathers to purchase at http://www.joann.com/search/_eagle_feathers/ or your
nearest Joan Fabrics if in the area. There you can also purchase necklace chains, wire, pliers, and
scissors. (Only members of recognized Native American tribes can petition the federal
government for use of eagle feathers for religious purposes; all other people are not allowed to
use or obtain an eagle feather. )
3) http://www.education.com/activity/article/Make_Quill_Pens/ Making quill pens. You can
purchase the eagle quills also at http://www.joann.com/search/_eagle_feathers/ or you nearest
Joan Fabrics. There you can also find an art knife, an ink bottle, cutting board, marker, and
tweezers.
Procedures:
Opening Activity 1
1) Have a series of well known symbols on the board. (For example; Mickey Mouse, McDonalds M,
Dollar Sign, Green Light, Heart) Use a resource such as:

3. http://www.brainpopjr.com/socialstudies/citizenship/ussymbols/grownups.weml Have the
students identify these symbols.
2) Discuss with the class that a symbol is something that represents something else. Then Display
the picture of the eagle
3) Initiate a student discussion about the picture. Ask the following questions to initiate student
response;
What bird is this
What do you know about this bird
Why is it important to our country
4) As discussion continues make sure students know that the eagle is our national symbol
5) Refer to the website http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/eagle.html , or on a broader look
http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzeagles.html to aid in discussion of what the eagle truly means
to our nation.
6) From there explain the concept of making their own eagle symbol.
Opening Activity 2 (Teachers working with older students will have to introduce the discussion
with symbols appropriate to their age group)
1) Have quote from John F. Kennedy "The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they
selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence
of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America." Have students discuss
the following question.
Do you agree or disagree with John F. Kennedy’s quote. Support your answer.
2) Have students discuss additional ways that people personally show symbols of America
3) Explain to students they will have the opportunity to create their own symbol representing the
eagle

4. Creating the Eagle Puppet
Explain how to make the puppet by actually making it or by using verbal and/or print
directions (teacher can review or show video).
Provide materials
Provide the appropriate amount of time.
Using the puppet, have students explain one fact they’ve learned from the discussion
Making jewelry
Show the class the video
Cut the tip of the feather stem so it is about a half inch long, then cut the wire so there
is about 2-3 inches of wire. Then put one end of the wire to the end of the feather tip,
from there begin wrapping the wire around the base of feather tip until it reaches the
top of the tip. Then create a loop with the end of the wire (if needed cut off the extra
amount of wire). Take the chain and put it through the loop.
Making a quill pen
Print out copies of the instructions from the website provided below
http://www.education.com/activity/article/Make_Quill_Pens/
Assessment Suggestions:
1) Students could receive participation grades for discussion activities
2) Students could be graded on their appropriate use of work time
3) Students could be graded on their completion of the project to the teachers specifications

5. Extension Activities:
1) From the following websites one can find several more hands on eagle craft projects.
http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/birds-baldeagle.htm or http://pinterest.com/brimful/eagle-
crafts-activities-for-kids/
2) For younger students , teachers can use this project to create a paper eagle with very simple
steps http://www.ehow.com/video_12232447_eagle-art-project-preschoolers.html
3) Further resources could be the book: The art of simulating eagle feathers by: Gutierrez, Bob.
4) Students could look up additional American symbols using either website
http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzeagles.html or
http://www.brainpopjr.com/socialstudies/citizenship/ussymbols/grownups.weml