A discussion of U.S. monuments might lead to a discussion about monuments from other cultures, such as the Egyptian pyramids, or to the recent destruction of ancient Buddhist statues by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

After the students have done some research about existing memorials and discussed the purposes served by those monuments, it is time to introduce a special project -- creating designs and/or models of monuments related to the September 11 attacks. The activity gives students an opportunity to do something constructive with their feelings about these events. Students design memorials and compose oral presentations in which they present their designs, and the ideas that led to the designs, to the class.

Assessment

Kathie Marshall, Mulholland Middle School, Van Nuys, California