Symbol of Freedom

A SCIENCE AND ART LESSON FOR KIDS
This appeared on July 4, 2004  in the Los Angeles Times

THE KIDS’ READING ROOM
 

By Carol Felixson
Special to the Times

July 4, 2004

Do you like birthdays?

Today is our country's birthday. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the United States' freedom from Great Britain.

Oftentimes, something will be chosen to symbolize such a great event. From our country's founding to this day, many people in America and around the world think of the United States flag as a symbol of freedom.

The colors in the U.S. flag mean different things to different people. For some, the red symbolizes courage, to others, it's a symbol of hardiness and valor. To many people, the white stands for purity, while others say it's for honor. And the blue is said to represent justice, vigilance or perseverance. What do you think? What do the colors in the U.S. flag mean to you?

To celebrate the Fourth of July, Anthony, age 11, of Los Angeles, made an illustration of our flag using red, white and blue tempera paints, cotton balls and red and white hard candy.

Anthony first had to collect his materials. He found tempera paints, brushes and an illustration board at an art supply store. His mom had cotton balls, craft glue and a ruler in the house, and they went to the drugstore to buy the candy.

"First, I spread newspapers on my table to protect it from the tempera paint," Anthony explained. Tempera is a thick water-based paint often used for posters. He drew the flag's design on a piece of illustration board, then painted it, one color at a time. When he was finished with the painting, Anthony washed the brushes with water. Finally, he added texture by gluing candy on the stripes. Instead of stars, he glued white cotton balls in the corner. They look a little like clouds.

Good job, Anthony!


 

Carol Felixson developed this special art lesson in celebration of today's holiday. Check the Aug. 1 page for a lesson on poison oak and coloring with pastels. Previous stories can been found at nrs.ucop.edu/Reserves/stunt/newsforkids.html. Hear this story read aloud at latimes.com/kids or by calling 1-800 LATIMES, Ext. 4KIDS (1-800 528-4637, Ext. 45437).