Mural Making: Remembering 9-11

Mural making is an effective way to link with social studies and history.  Based on a theme, students are able to transform learning subjects to visual presentation.  It almost always requires teamwork.  In a school setting, it is best to use pre-cut roll out paper for students to brainstorm and to create as a group.  In our example here, we divided the class into two groups: One use the whole sheet of roll out paper to construct something together in one picture; the other group, however, each member received a piece of paper (same size), each member then created his/her own interpretation on Peace, and eventually combine all eight pieces into a quilt-like mural.  
In the making of the mural, students were able to discuss as a group the meaning and  the affect of 9-11.  They talked about how peace and be restored; how life would be without wars.  Each of them shaded light on his/her feelings.  As a group, they talked about arrangements of the design elements, colors, and symbols to be put on the mural.  The whole process was heartfelt.  There was a sense of purpose within each piece.  The result was a powerful representation of how creativity helps to commemorate a historical event.