Message to the Future

Language Arts/Social Studies Activity

Designing a monument can be fun. It is a way to learn about the ideas and planning that go into the creation of a monument. Future archaeologists may learn a lot about our culture from the monuments we leave behind.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Small index cards
• Drawing paper
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

WHAT TO DO

1. Ask your students to draw up a proposal for a monument to commemorate an important event or to honor a positive belief or value. All proposals should have a title and include an inscription. (Drawings or models could be accompanied by a small index card with the monument's title and inscription.) At your discretion, students can work individually or in teams.

2. Monument designs could consist of a drawing or a written description of how the monument would look.

3. Students should present their models to the class with a brief oral report describing:
   • What the monument is intended to represent
   • Why he or she chose a particular design
   • Where the proposed monument would be located