Ask students to list the kinds of public moments and public figures we commemorate. Break into small groups to develop designs or plans for it. Vote for one memorial the class will create, or create a variety of them on the chosen subject. The class can search for them on the Smithsonian's web site for research. Make a list of local monuments using both the internet and local sources.
Students can visit and sketch or photograph monuments to create a visual portfolio in the classroom.
They may also research individual monuments and share their reports with the class. You'll be surprised at how much is known, but not generally shared, about neighborhood public sculpture. Resources Kathryn Greenthal. Schwarz, Gregory C., Ludwig Lauerhass, Jr., and Brigid Sullivan. A Celebration of an American Masterpiece.