computers with word processing software (optional)
envelopes
postage stamps
Lesson Plan
Explain to students that the U.S. Postal Service issues 25 to 40 new commemorative stamps each year.
Ask: Who do you think suggests the names of people to feature on commemorative stamps? Who do you think reviews the nominations? Who do you think makes the final decisions about who will be honored on the stamps? What factors do you think those decisions are based on?
If students can't answer those questions, explain that the names of most of the people featured on U.S. commemorative stamps are suggested by the general public. The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee reviews all the nominations, chooses those that are most interesting and educational, and presents its recommendations to the postmaster general.
Tell students that they are going to celebrate Women's History Month by nominating a woman to be honored on a commemorative stamp.
Review the criteria the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee uses to choose new subjects.
Point out that to be honored with a commemorative stamp, an individual
must be an American with national appeal who was not associated primarily
with religious undertakings and who has been dead at least ten years.
Have students work individually or in small groups to explore print and/or online resources to learn about some influential women in American history.
Ask each student or group of students to choose one woman, research her life, and prepare a written presentation that will persuade the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee to honor that woman on a stamp.
Mail students' nominations to
Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee
c/o Stamp Management
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 4474 #B
Washington, DC 20260-6756
Assessment
Evaluate students on the appropriateness of their nominations, the quality of
their reports, and the strength of their class presentations.
