This animated film from the 1975 is a montage of imagery associated with patriotism and the United States. How might your students reimagine a short video of imagery for our contemporary era? Scroll down to see our interactive lesson plan!

Contemporary US Iconic Imagery Video Lesson

Contemporary US Iconic Imagery Video Project

Inspired by Vince Collins’ 1975 Bicentennial Film

🎯 Middle School (Grades 6-8) | Duration: 2-3 Weeks

🎓 Overall Learning Objectives

  • Analyze historical media and artistic choices in cultural context
  • Create original multimedia content expressing contemporary American identity
  • Develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills
  • Practice collaborative planning and peer feedback processes
  • Reflect on the evolution of national symbols and imagery over time
📚 Part 1: Historical Context & Media Analysis ▼
👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Begin by showing the 1975 Vince Collins film. This psychedelic tribute was government-funded for the Bicentennial celebration. Use this as a springboard for discussing how art, politics, and cultural moments intersect.

🎬 Opening Hook: The 1975 Bicentennial Film

Students will examine Vince Collins’ trippy, government-sponsored animation celebrating America’s 200th birthday. This film serves as our historical anchor point for understanding how national imagery has been presented and evolved.

📝 Initial Viewing & Reaction

Activity: Students watch the film twice – first for overall impression, second for detailed analysis. They record initial reactions and specific visual elements they notice.

Discussion Questions:

  • What symbols do you recognize? What’s unfamiliar?
  • How does the animation style affect the message?
  • Who was the intended audience in 1975?

📅 Historical Timeline Explorer

Click on different eras to explore how American imagery has evolved:

1776
1876
1976
2025
🔍 Visual Symbol Analysis

Students identify and categorize symbols from the 1975 film:

🇺🇸
Patriotic Symbols
🌲
Natural Landscapes
🏙️
Urban America
👥
People & Diversity

📋 Standards Alignment – Part 1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 NCSS.D2.His.1.6-8 VA:Re.7.2.8a CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2
🎨 Part 2: Contemporary Creation Process ▼
👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Students now shift from analysis to creation. Emphasize that their videos should reflect 2025 America while maintaining the spirit of celebrating national identity. Encourage diverse perspectives on what makes America iconic today.

💡 Brainstorming Contemporary American Icons

Students identify modern symbols, places, people, and concepts that represent America in 2025. This includes both traditional icons reimagined and entirely new representations.

🗺️ Modern Symbol Mapping

Individual Brainstorm: Students create mind maps of contemporary American imagery, considering:

  • Technology and social media culture
  • Environmental consciousness and climate change
  • Diversity and inclusion movements
  • Global connectivity and immigration
  • Economic and social justice themes
📱 Technical Planning Workshop

Video Creation Basics:

  • Duration: 60-90 seconds (like a social media video)
  • Tools: Smartphone cameras, free editing apps (iMovie, Adobe Rush, Canva)
  • Elements: Original footage, still images, text overlays, music
  • Style: Can be realistic, animated, stop-motion, or mixed media

Storyboard Template: Students plan their video shot-by-shot using provided templates

👥 Collaborative Planning Session

Peer Feedback Circles: Students share initial concepts and receive constructive feedback on:

  • Clarity of message and theme
  • Variety and relevance of chosen symbols
  • Technical feasibility of their plan
  • Consideration of diverse perspectives
🎬 Production Phase

Creation Guidelines:

  • Week 1: Filming and gathering materials
  • Week 2: Editing and refinement
  • Daily check-ins with teacher for guidance
  • Peer collaboration encouraged for complex shots

📋 Standards Alignment – Part 2

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4 VA:Cr.1.1.8a VA:Cr.2.1.8a ISTE.1.6
📊 Part 3: Assessment & Extension Activities ▼
👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Assessment focuses on both creative expression and historical understanding. The film festival format celebrates student work while providing authentic presentation opportunities.

📝 Assessment Components

Video Project Rubric
Criteria
Exemplary (4)
Proficient (3)
Developing (2)
Historical Understanding
Clear connections between 1975 and 2025 perspectives
Some connections made between past and present
Limited historical context shown
Creative Expression
Original, thoughtful visual storytelling
Good use of visual elements and narrative
Basic visual presentation with some creativity
Technical Execution
Polished editing, clear audio/video quality
Good technical quality with minor issues
Adequate technical execution
📝 Artist Statement Reflection

Written Component: Students write 300-word artist statements explaining:

  • Their choice of contemporary symbols and why they’re meaningful
  • How their video relates to or differs from the 1975 film
  • What they learned about American identity and its evolution
  • Technical challenges they overcame and creative decisions they made
🎪 Class Film Festival

Celebration & Presentation:

  • Students present their videos to the class or school community
  • Audience feedback forms for peer appreciation
  • Awards categories: Most Creative, Best Historical Connection, Audience Choice
  • Discussion panel comparing different approaches and perspectives
🌍 Extension Activities

For Advanced Learners or Extended Projects:

  • Research other Bicentennial-era art and media for comparison
  • Interview family/community members about their perspectives on American identity
  • Create a classroom timeline of American visual culture evolution
  • Write letters to future students in 2051 (next major anniversary)
  • Design a social media campaign promoting their video
🔗 Cross-Curricular Connections

Integration Opportunities:

  • Social Studies: Research 1970s American culture and current events
  • Art: Study psychedelic art movement and contemporary visual culture
  • English: Analyze symbolism in literature and visual media
  • Technology: Digital citizenship and ethical media creation

📋 Standards Alignment – Part 3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5 VA:Re.9.1.8a VA:Cn.11.1.8a

📚 This Month™ Educational Resources

Part of our expanded middle school curriculum building on K-6 foundations