Lesson Plans: Topic 1 - Why Study the Georgia Capitol?

Students will identify reasons for studying the Georgia Capitol and visiting this symbol of Georgia government.

• Teacher Resource 1.1, page 1 "Symbols of Our State"
• Teacher Resource 1.1, page 2 "Symbols of Our State"
• Teacher Resource 1.1, page 3 "Symbols of Our Nation"
• Study Print 1.1 "The Georgia Capitol"
• Study Print 1.2 "The Georgia Capital"

A capitol building is more than the structure in which the business of government is conducted. It is, more importantly, a symbol of the government, the state, and its people. This is certainly true of Georgia’s recently restored gold-domed state Capitol. The lessons in this publication provide students the opportunity to examine the importance of the building in their lives and prepare them for a visit to this living symbol of democracy.

Begin this lesson by asking students to name some of the official symbols of Georgia. Responses should include our state seal, state flag, state flower, state song, state bird, etc. Students might also identify other less known symbols of Georgia such as the state fossil, state insect, state gem, or the state fish. When students have completed their list, ask: "In what way do these symbols represent Georgia? What qualities, values, and beliefs do these symbols represent?" National symbols such as the bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, and others might also be discussed as symbols of the United States. Teacher Resource 1.1, "Symbols of Our State and Nation," may be made into a transparency and shared with students.

If it hasn’t already been discussed, explain that the Capitol building is another symbol of Georgia. Write the terms capitol and capital on the chalkboard. Ask students to explain the difference between the two terms. You may wish to point out that one easy way to distinguish the two terms is to note that the term capitol designates the domed building, whereas capital indicates the city, like Atlanta, in which the government is located. Have students use a dictionary and other reference tools to identify and explain additional meanings of the word capital.

Transparencies of Study Print 1.1, "The Georgia Capitol," and Study Print 1.2, "The Georgia Capital," may be shown to students to help clarify the differences between the two terms.

Conclude this lesson by asking students to locate and bring to class examples of other symbols that represent some other aspect of Georgia (Yellow Jacket, Bulldog, peach, peanut, Coca-Cola, etc.).