Share Your Story from Smithsonian's History Explorer
What does the American flag stand for? What does it mean to you? Is it a sacred symbol? Has it meant something important to you? Does it represent you? Have you ever used the flag to make a statement? Share your thoughts about what the American flag means to you and your submission may become a part of an online mosaic, made up of stories and photos from people like you. All grades

Common Myths About the Fourth of July from ReadWriteThink
Consider what you know about the Fourth of July holiday. Could some of what you have read or heard be myths? (Source: Myths and Truths: Independence Day) Grades 3-5

Read More About Independence Day from ReadWriteThink
Grab a book and extend your understanding of this important American holiday. Grades 3-5

Science Meets Artistry: The Work of Cai Guo-Qiang from ARTSEDGE

Learn about artist Cai Guo-Quiang and his explosion events. Grades 9-12

Oxidation & Combustion: Chemical Reactions in Fire from ARTSEDGE

Learn about exothermic and endothermic reactions, combustion, and oxidation-reduction reactions through the study of fireworks. Grades 9-12

Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence from EDSITEment

See the development of the Declaration as both an historical process and a writing process through the use of role play and creative writing. Grades 3-5

The Declaration of Independence: "An Expression of the American Mind" from EDSITEment

Look at the major ideas in the Declaration of Independence, their origins, the Americans’ key grievances against the King and Parliament, their assertion of sovereignty, and the Declaration’s process of revision. Grades 9-12

America the Beautiful: Using Music and Art to Develop Vocabulary from ReadWriteThink

What pictures of America do the words of this song bring to your mind? Learn about the vocabulary used in this patriotic song that describes American geographic features and places. Grades K-2

Myth and Truth: Independence Day from ReadWriteThink

What do you really know about the history behind our Independence Day celebrations? Examine the origin and characteristics of myth as they look for truth or bias in what they read or hear. Grades 3-5

No Fireworks on the Fourth of July from EconEdLink

Who will you thank when the fireworks are over? Learn why many communities sponsor local fireworks displays that can be classified as public goods. Grades 6-8

Find the Flag from National Center for Family Literacy

Can you find all the flags in this city? Search for the 25 American flags. Along the way, learn interesting facts about flag history and how to display and care for the flag. Grades k-5

Science Meets Artistry: The Work of Cai Guo-Qiang from ARTSEDGE

Discover how artist Cai Guo-Qiang created a fireworks tornado for the Kennedy Center’s Festival of China. Then design your own fireworks display in this online exploration of pyrotechnics from ARTSEDGE. Grades 9-12

Interactive Star-Spangled Banner from Smithsonian's History Explorer

Take a close look at the flag that inspired the national anthem. This interactive takes visitors through the making of the flag and its preservation, the writing of The Star Spangled Banner, the War of 1812 and the legacy of the flag. Grades K-12