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Independence in Color, Shape and Symbol: The Kit

Through games, discussions and visuals, we will explore the meaning of various symbols and what they tell us about the time periods in which they were chosen.

Duration of activity: Approx. one hour
Target audience: Seventh grade and up
Location: Anywhere — the classroom or outdoors
 
Materials and Preparations

1. Introduction

Symbols exist in every civilization. They are a focal point for identification, honor and unity.  Symbols unite members of organizations and citizens of countries.  A country has many national symbols, such as a flag, emblem, anthem, and currency. Commercial companies also have symbols - logos that identify them and create an affinity with their customers.

2. Game

Divide players into five teams (of 3-5 pupils). Provide each team with a sheet of paper and pens/pencils. Each team should write/draw as many familiar everyday symbols as possible (such as the Apple logo). The team with the most symbols wins.

3. Additional options for opening games

A. Give each team a color and ask them which brand they associate with it.
 
B. Give each team various symbols of entities such as companies, countries, and soccer teams, and ask them to guess/remember to whom they belong.
 
C. Give each team photographs of public figures, and ask them to identify who they are and what they stand for.
 
Examples: Theodor Herzl, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, or Golda Meir; also, Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy.

4. Cards for discussion and debate

  • Give each team a discussion card. Each card contains an image or text excerpt with accompanying questions.

 

  • Give the team five minutes for reading and discussion.

 

  • After the five minutes, each team should pass the card to the team on its left so that all teams get to discuss all the cards. 

 

  • At the end of the round, ask the teams to vote on a symbol that they connect with most. Each team will then present its chosen symbol and explain why they connected to it. At the end, each pupil can vote individually for the best-loved symbol.

 

  • Ask them: What can we learn about a group’s character from its chosen symbol?

5. Independence Day lapel pins poster

Gather the pupils into a single group once more; ask them to look at the poster of the  Independence Day lapel pins.

 
As a follow-up to the discussion groups, ask them: What do you think the poster can teach us about the changes and processes that the State of Israel has undergone over the years?

 
Ask a volunteer to choose and explain two symbols that he or she feels represent different views and values of Israel.

6. Conclusion

Invite the pupils to offer guidelines for the design of the Independence Day symbol for the year 2100. What should appear on the symbol? Why?
 
If time allows, participants can also design and paint their own Independence Day symbol for next year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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