Hands-On Activities

Let’s take a tour of the landmarks of USA to explore our country. I have a fun tutorial to recreate a mini Mount Rushmore art piece. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

When we think about the United States, it’s not just dates in history books or names of presidents that we remember- it’s the places that bring those stories to life.

From the towering Statue of Liberty greeting newcomers in New York Harbor, to the sweeping views of the Grand Canyon, to the shining steel of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, landmarks remind us of the struggles, dreams, and triumphs that shaped our nation.

For homeschool families, studying landmarks is a wonderful way to make history hands-on. Landmarks connect geography, civics, art, and culture all in one lesson. Kids can point them out on a map, learn the events or people behind them, and then bring their knowledge to life with a creative project.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the country is Mount Rushmore, carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Featuring the faces of four presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—this monument stands as a symbol of leadership and American history.

By learning about Mount Rushmore and recreating it with air-dry clay, students will not only discover the story of the presidents but also gain an appreciation for the artistry and engineering behind the landmark itself.

Remember, this project is less about developing your child’s professional sculpting skills and more about learning. We had more than a few laughs with our attempt at recreating the presidents.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT FAMOUS USA LANDMARKS

First, look at some books to use with your lesson todays.

10 Books About Famous U.S.A. Landmarks

Landmarks tell stories from the past. Kids learn about ancient civilizations, wars, inventions, and important people.

Let Liberty Rise!: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty

On America's 100th birthday, the people of France built a giant gift! It was one of the largest statues the world had ever seen -- and she weighed as much as 40 elephants! And when she arrived on our shores in 250 pieces, she needed a pedestal to hold her up. Few of America's millionaires were willing to foot the bill.

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Pop's Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge. The impossible bridge, some call it. They say it can't be built. But Robert's father is building it. He's a skywalker--a brave, high-climbing ironworker. Robert is convinced his pop has the most important job on the crew . . . until a frightening event makes him see that it takes an entire team to accomplish the impossible. When it was completed in 1937, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was hailed as an international marvel. Eve Bunting's riveting story salutes the ingenuity and courage of every person who helped raise this majestic American icon. Includes an author's note about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

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Grand Canyon: (Caldecott Honor Book)

Rivers wind through earth, cutting down and eroding the soil for millions of years, creating a cavity in the ground 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep known as the Grand Canyon.Home to an astonishing variety of plants and animals that have lived and evolved within its walls for millennia, the Grand Canyon is much more than just a hole in the ground. Follow a father and daughter as they make their way through the cavernous wonder, discovering life both present and past. Weave in and out of time as perfectly placed die cuts show you that a fossil today was a creature much long ago, perhaps in a completely different environment. Complete with a spectacular double gatefold, an intricate map and extensive back matter.

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Brighty of the Grand Canyon (Marguerite Henry Horseshoe Library)

Long ago, a lone little burro roamed the high cliffs of the Grand Canyon and touched the hearts of all who knew him: a grizzled old miner, a big-game hunter, even President Teddy Roosevelt. Named Brighty by the prospector who befriended him, he remained a free spirit at heart. But when a ruthless claim-jumper murdered the prospector, loyal Brighty risked everything to bring the killer to justice. Brighty’s adventures have delighted generations of readers, and he has become the symbol of a joyous way of life. Some people say that you can even see his spirit roving the canyon on moonlit nights—forever wild, forever free.

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Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out

Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, and poetry melds with an equally stunning array of original art to offer a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, these highly engaging writings and illustrations, expressing varied viewpoints and interwoven with key historical events, are a vital resource for family and classroom sharing — and a stirring reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American.Back matter includes source notes, notes on contributor, and an index.

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Rushmore

A compelling narrative and realistic paintings describe how Mount Rushmore, a patriotic shrine and tourist attraction, was conceived, designed, and created by the dedicated artist and son of immigrants, Gutzon Borglum.

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Who Carved the Mountain?: The Story of Mount Rushmore

Using historical facts and rollicking rhythm, author Jean L.S. Patrick reveals how the mountain was carved and why George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt were chosen. Rich illustrations by Renée Graef make the unique history of Mount Rushmore come alive for children.

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Kennedy Space Center: Gateway to Space

NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center set the stage for the American adventure into space and went on to host a succession of rocket launches that have helped to form our understanding of the nature of the universe.

The Kennedy Space Center is a major tourist attraction in Florida, but most of its doors remain locked to the public. This abundantly illustrated book is an insider's history of the heart of America's space program, including detailed information on:

• The earliest development of rockets in the United States and Germany
• The development of rockets and their launch facilities
• The missile race and the U.S.-Soviet rivalry to be first in space
• The great Apollo program and the race to the moon
• The shuttle program, the Space Station and the Hubble Telescope
• The future of space exploration

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Famous Landmarks For Kids: Famous Buildings and Landmarks Then and Now - Geography Book for Kids

The book generates interest in historical buildings and develops observation skills. It also develops their aesthetic sensibilities and instills an appreciation of elements of architecture and our cultural heritage, in this book you will find the most famous monuments and know their stories.Learn all about famous landmarks in this book for kids from Taj Maha,The Great Wall Of China, Opera House and more

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Landmarks (Discovery Concepts)

Touch and learn.Applying the tactile features of Montessori teaching, this innovative board book uses enhanced spot UV treatments to teach little ones about famous monuments from around the world, including the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Great Wall of China. One-of-a-kind colorful illustrations, sturdy board pages, and no moveable parts make this a unique addition to an early learning collection.About the Discovery Concepts series: Discovery Concepts books celebrate Montessori’s curious discovery approach to learning. Maria Montessori believed “the hand is the chief teacher of the brain,” encouraging students to learn by touch and created specially designed materials such as sandpaper letters to support this method. Inspired by her teachings, each book in the Discovery Concepts board book collection uses tactile enhancements to engage young children in discovering the topic at hand. Beyond the tactile elements each title is designed to capture a child’s imagination and curiosity as they learn.

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Then, look at some facts for kids about landmarks.

FAMOUS LANDMARKS OF USA

STATUE OF LIBERTY (NEW YORK, NY)

• A gift from France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is a worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy.
• The statue’s full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World,” and its torch represents hope and enlightenment.

LIBERTY BELL (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

• The famous crack appeared sometime in the early 1800s, and though it can’t be rung anymore, it’s one of the most visited symbols of freedom in the U.S.
• This cracked but powerful symbol of independence rang during the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

THE WHITE HOUSE (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

• Home to every U.S. president since John Adams, it represents our government and leadership.
• The White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and its own movie theater and bowling alley.

Look at How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft to create this and look at this The White House Cut & Assemble.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) 

• Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, this bright orange landmark connects San Francisco to Marin County.
• The bridge’s unique “International Orange” paint was chosen because it stands out in San Francisco’s fog.

GRAND CANYON (ARIZONA)

• A natural wonder carved by the Colorado River, it’s one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
• The Grand Canyon is so large it actually creates its own weather. The temperature at the top (the rim) can be over 20 degrees cooler than at the bottom.

GATEWAY ARCH (ST. LOUIS, MO)

• Known as the “Gateway to the West,” this shining steel arch celebrates America’s expansion.
• At 630 feet tall, it’s the tallest man-made monument in the United States.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (NEW YORK, NY) 

• A symbol of American innovation and once the tallest building in the world.
• It was built in just 410 days during the Great Depression, finishing ahead of schedule in 1931.

MOUNT RUSHMORE (SOUTH DAKOTA)

Mount Rushmore, our focus project, is located in South Dakota in the Black Hills. It is one of the most famous American monuments and features four past presidents:

Built between 1927 and 1941, it took hundreds of workers using dynamite, drills, and chisels to complete.

• George Washington – First U.S. President and Revolutionary War leader.
• Thomas Jefferson – Author of the Declaration of Independence.
• Theodore Roosevelt – Known for conservation and building the Panama Canal.
• Abraham Lincoln – President during the Civil War and the end of slavery.

Then, look at these additional activities for learning about landmarks.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR LANDMARKS OF USA

Find each landmark on a U.S. map as part of your geography. I love The 50 States Atlas for colorful fun maps of each state, fun facts, stats, and images.

Watch a documentary or virtual tour of a U.S. landmark.

Research why the landmark is important and what it represents to learn about our nation’s history.

Create a journal entry as if your child were visiting the landmark.

Use these US landmark toob figures to make a diorama for older kids or use them in a sensory bin to introduce them to preschoolers.

Recreate a landmark through a hands-on project like drawing, painting, or clay sculpting.

Make a landmark passport: each time you study one, stamp or sticker it in a notebook.

Write a short biography of each Mount Rushmore president.

Build another landmark at 7 National Landmarks USA | How To Make A Fun Statue Of Liberty Torch Craft.

Finally, look at how to make this mini Mount Rushmore.

MOUNT RUSHMORE IN AIR-DRY CLAY ART PROJECT

You will need:

• Air-dry clay (white or gray works best)
• Wood or cardboard base
• Sculpting tools (toothpicks, butter knives, pencils work too)
• acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Find an inspirational photo online to work from and print it off.

Paint your wood or cardboard base to look like the sky, the perfect backdrop and set it aside to dry.

I found this wooden plaque at Dollar Tree for an inexpensive but neat backdrop.

Roll four ovals and mold and sculpt each using your hands as well as clay tools.

I don’t really have a tutorial for this, but a few techniques to help you.

Use tools to gently mark eyes, noses, mouths, and simple hair or beards.

The edge of a tool or a popsicle stick makes great lines for Roosevelt’s beard and gives texture to the hair.

Roll thin pieces of clay and shape them into his glasses.

Personalize each of the faces with their identifying characteristics like- Roosevelt’s glasses, Lincoln’s beard, Jefferson’s curls, Washington’s strong profile.

Add a bit of water to your finger tip to smooth the air-dry clay and attach additional pieces together, like hair and beards.

Paint the bottom half of your wood sign white once its dry to create the backdrop of the mountain they are carved in to.

Hot glue each of the heads in place.

Allow it to dry for several days until the clay has dried. It will not completely harden.

If you would rather have hardening clay, you can use an oven baked type and bake prior to gluing onto the wood plaque.