Students study U.S. national holidays, symbols, songs, and landmarks to understanding and appreciation the meaning and significance of the nation's ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. Through lessons, discussions, discovery activities, and cooperative group work, students understand how and when various U.S. traditions represent and convey the country's ideals. The U.S. flag is a unifying theme for the unit. Students analyze its symbolism, learn patriotic songs about the flag, seek information about monuments associated with the flag, and look for ways the flag is used to observe and celebrate national holidays. Students acquire an understanding about the nation's traditions and a sense of pride in the country. Students realize the emotional power of the nation's symbols and songs and appreciate the citizens and events honored on national holidays or with national monuments and landmarks. Suggested time for unit implementation is 4 weeks. The lesson plan discusses the significance of the topic; lists focus questions; offers literacy links; and provides information and student activities, dividing the topic into "Beginning the Topic"; "Developing the Topic"; and "Culminating the Topic." It suggests assessment activities, explains assessment methods, offers extended/correlated activities, and lists resources for the sample topic. Appended are song lyrics, poems, flag facts, the Pledge of Allegiance, additional information, and sample worksheets. (BT)