Virginia SOL 2.12.a

Social Studies2nd Grade

The Standard

the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify the two memorials in photographs and name the president each one honors. They explain that memorials help people remember leaders and their contributions.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students match each memorial to Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln without labels. They state that Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln led the country during the Civil War and opposed slavery.
Common Misconceptions: Students may confuse the memorials because both are white buildings with columns. They may think the presidents lived or are buried there instead of understanding that the buildings honor them.
How to Assess It: Show unlabeled photos of both memorials. Ask students to name each one, identify the person honored, and give one reason that person is remembered.

Lesson moves

Build simple memorial models with paper cups and index cards, then add a label naming the person honored.
Ask students to write, "People visit a memorial because..." and support their answer with one example.
Play a photo matching game using memorial images, president portraits, names, and contribution cards.
Use a Washington, D.C., map to locate both memorials and plan a pretend walking route between them.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.12.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.