National Anthem Learning Activity

Authoring, Researching, Reoporting and other Work
By Howard Taylor

The United States National Anthem

Just like the American flag reminds us of America and being American, songs can do the same thing. Some of these songs officially represent a country because of a law. These songs are called anthems. Other patriotic songs are not official but still remind people of a country.

Anthems are also symbols. The words and sounds of the song have special meaning. Listen to a recording of America's national anthem and answer the following questions:

1. What is the name of our National Anthem?

2. Who wrote the song?

3. What does the song remind you of?

4. What story does the song tell?

5. Why do you think this song is special?

6.  What war was ongoing, when our National Anthem was written?  The words of the Anthem started out as a _________.  What did it start out as?

7.  When viewing the Star Spangled Banner in the Smithsonian Institution, one can notice much damage.  How much of the damage was caused by cannon balls and how much by man's hands after the battle?  If any damage by man's hands, why would anyone do such to this ancient and valuable old flag?



The Making of an Anthem:  

Your G.E. group will also need an anthem or official patriotic song. As a group, think of a story you might want your song to tell. Think about the words your song would have?

Don't forget music. What kinds of instruments can you use? So it is easy for everyone to learn, many national anthems use the tune for old folk songs that everyone already knows. Then they add new words.

As a group, think of a simple tune everyone knows. Write some new words for it as a class anthem. Of course, you may also write a new tune but keep it simple and easy to remember!

Smithsonian
Star Bangled Banner Project
 The Banner's
Story
 The Star Spangled Banner
Composer
 The Title of Our National
Anthem

History Channel
Star Spangled Banner