Independence Day

Today, on Independence Day, we learned about the flag of United States. This led to a discussion about Betsy Ross and the 1st flag with 13 stars for the colonies.We identified the original colonies on the map. Mia colored the flag of United States then designed her own flag. This led to developing her own country, Solvania, including an anthem and pledge of allegiance.

Solvania

• leaderless state with elders for resolving disputes
• no guns, only swords, bows & arrows, and spears like medieval times
• all people are equal
• there must be an enemy - since kids will be in this country, it makes obvious sense that parents will be the enemy ("I still love you, Mom.")
• 10 choices of employment:  business leader, pilot, teacher, police, car dealer, blacksmith, doctor, fashion designer, construction worker
• reincarnation is possible in Solvania but you cannot be an elder when you come back
• every 2 months you get 1 year older
• murder will result in 1 year in the dungeon
• pledge is said with arms crossed on the chest

Anthem

A good day has arrived a'new

Country has arrived

A new world is born to the sweet song of the country that has been born

Oh see for the land of the free

We stand proudly for our 

For our country we sing 

Pledge of Allegiance

I swear by the love of my country that this country will be home and I will always care for each other.

NEXT:

draw a map of Solvania

Moon Landing

Mia wasn't familiar with Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin from the flag worksheet.

RESEARCH:
moon landing

Geronimo

"What does Geronimo mean? Why do they say it in the song?" (Geronimo by Sheppard)

Can you feel it?
Now it's coming back we can steal it.
If we bridge this gap,
I can see you
Through the curtains of the waterfall.

When I lost it,
Yeah you held my hand,
But I tossed it,
Didn't understand,
You were waiting,
As I dove into the waterfall.

So say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!

Mia used Wikipedia to learn  about Geronimo the Native American Indian. The article didn't explain the use in the song so we searched 'Why do people yell Geronimo?' which led us to Mental Floss where we read about the soldiers learning to parachute. The soldiers were inspired to yell "Geronimo" when jumping out of the plane after seeing the 1940 film Geronimo.

RESOURCES:
Geronimo on Wikipedia
Mental Floss - Why do we scream Geronimo?

Rebecca