Happy 200th Birthday to The Star Spangled Banner! September 14, 2014, is the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key's writing of the poem which became our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.

Fun Facts:
• Francis Scott Key wrote the words to his poem in pencil!

• There was a huge rainstorm the night before the battle. The flag, made of 500 pounds of cotton was taken down and a substitute storm flag raised. After the battle, the larger flag went back up.

• There were 15 stars on the flag at the time of the War of 1812!

• The flag was sewn by Mary Young Pickersgill, her daughter Caroline Pickersgill(13) and nieces, Eliza Young(13) and Margaret Young (15). An African American indentured servant, Grace Wisher(13), also helped create the flag.

• About 61% of Americans admit they don’t know all the words to the national anthem(the first verse) and only 39% know the words after, “Whose broad stripes and bright stars”! Do you?

• The Star Spangled Banner is one of few national anthems that do not mention the name of the country in its lyrics!

• There are only 14 stars(of the 15) left on the flag that flew at Fort McHenry. The missing flag star was given away as a souvenir and its location is not known. 

Use this web quest to learn about Francis Scott Key, the national anthem and the war of 1812. There are nine web questions, 9 comprehension/thought questions, fun facts and extension activities.   http://edworldexchange.com/?q=product/francis-scott-key-star-spangled-banner-webquest/239890871

Gail
http://www.gailhennessey.com