Flag Fanatics: Learning History, Geography, and More With Vexillology
In this ongoing course, learners will thematically investigate various aspects of flags to discover the meaning and symbolism behind the colors and designs. #academic
Julie Mitchell, Ed.D.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(9)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Homework will not be assigned; however, learners are welcome to conduct their own research after each class.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Do you love watching flags fly in the breeze? When you see a flag, do you wonder what the colors and designs mean? Do you have your a flag collection or own flag-related items? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you just might be a “flag fanatic” which means that this class is definitely for you! In this ongoing class, learners will explore flags from around the world using a thematic approach while discovering the meaning and symbolism behind them. For example, some flags are strikingly similar in design and even result in groups known as flag families. Others have unique charges or uncommon shapes. As leaners begin to thematically identify flags, their questions and interests will help to drive the lesson. While most weeks will focus on national flags, those of other manmade entities (states, provinces, territories, cities, etc.) may be incorporated. Varying weekly, class activities will include a mixture of engaging tasks such as scavenger hunts, identification games, sorting challenges, mapping, video clips, and more. While the first three classes will provide a foundation for future meetings, these concepts will be reinforced throughout the course. Learners are welcome to join any or all classes based on compatibility with their own schedules. I hope to see you on a weekly basis! Topics, although subject to change, will include the following: Week of June 12: History of flags and flag parts Week of June 19: Common flag colors and their meanings Week of June 26: Common types of flag designs Week of July 3: No Class Week of July 10: Flag Families--Cross (Christian, Nordic, Greek) Week of July 17: Flag Families--Crescent Week of July 24: Flag Families--British Ensign (Union Jack) Week of July 31: Flag Families--Stars and Stripes Week of Aug. 7: Flag Families--Dutch and Pan-Slavic Week of Aug. 14: Flag Families--French Tricolor Week of Aug 21: Flag Families--Pan-African Colors Week of Aug. 28: Flag Families--Pan-Arab Colors Week of Sept. 4: Flag Families--Red Banner Week of Sept. 11: Flag Families--Gran Colombia, Belgrano, and United Nations Week of Sept 18: Astronomical symbols in flags Week of Sept. 25: Flags with uncommon shapes Week of Oct. 2: Flags with unique charges Week of Oct. 9: Geography in Flags Week of Oct. 16: Culture traits in flags--History Week of Oct. 23: Culture traits in flags--Geography Week of Oct. 30: Culture traits in flags--Economy Week of Nov. 6: Culture traits in flags--Social Groups Week of Nov. 13: Culture traits in flags--Arts Week of Nov. 20: Culture traits in flags--Religion Week of Nov. 27: No class Week of Dec. 4: Culture traits in flags--Language Week of Dec. 11: Culture traits in flags--Daily Life
Learning Goals
During this ongoing course, leaners will work toward the following learning goals:
• recognize the parts of a flag using vexillologic terms
• explain the meanings of common flag colors
• classify flags based on common designs
• identify flags belonging to designated flag families
• describe the symbolism and meaning of select world flags
• locate countries, other manmade entities, and major physical features on a world map
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This course may use select Outschool-approved tools/apps during class sessions.
Supply List
• Binder, folder, or notebook • Pencil • Colored Pencils or markers • Teacher-provided class worksheets Learners may choose to keep a flag notebook throughout the ongoing course. Each week, attendees will receive access to a teacher-created worksheet (pdf doc for printing) to use for notetaking and flag drawing and/or coloring. Pages may be printed, completed during class, and kept in a folder or binder or glued into a spiral or composition-style notebook. If preferred, learners may use notebook paper instead of printing the pdf documents provided. While not required, the notebooks will allow students to create a reference source for themselves and to have record of their learning.
Joined March, 2023
5.0
9reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a social studies teacher with thirty years of experience, I have studied flags and used them in various classes to teach about history, geography, and culture. I have acquired a collection of miniature flags that have been both useful and popular during these lessons. Flag projects have always been very successful with students and their enthusiasm and interests in these objects led me create an on-campus Vexillology Club. This club used research, games, and other interactive tasks to introduce students to the study of flags and included national flags, U.S. historic flags, U.S. state flags, maritime flags, and more. For several years, I also served as the trainer and mentor for my school’s flag detail team, a student team who handled the school's daily ceremony of raising and lowering the American flag on campus. In this role, I trained the team in various aspects of flag etiquette and how to determine when the flag should be flown at half-staff. I am also currently a member of the North American Vexillological Association, which proudly boasts that it is “the world’s largest organization of flag enthusiasts and scholars.”Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-10 learners per class
