This formative explores five real U.S. presidential monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Mount Rushmore, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial). Students will identify materials, describe material properties, explain processes that break down stone and metal, and evaluate real-world preservation strategies used by conservators.
Lincoln Memorial — What is the primary building material used for the Lincoln Memorial’s exterior columns and statue base?
Lincoln Memorial — True or False: Acid rain and pollution can cause marble to darken and develop surface staining over time.
Washington Monument — Which two processes most commonly contribute to cracking and surface damage in large stone obelisks like the Washington Monument?
Washington Monument — Two-word short answer: What caused the visible color difference partway up the Washington Monument where repairs used different quarry stone?
Mount Rushmore — Why was granite a good choice for carving the faces on Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore — Which preservation strategy helps limit water penetration and freeze–thaw damage on granite monuments?
Jefferson Memorial — Which two environmental conditions contribute most to biological growth (algae, moss) and staining in the Jefferson Memorial’s marble rotunda?
Jefferson Memorial — Which real-world preservation step is commonly used to reduce staining and biological growth on marble monuments?
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial — Which two statements about bronze sculpture preservation are correct?
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial — In one short paragraph, explain why conservators sometimes leave a stable bronze patina on outdoor sculptures rather than removing it, and name one preservation method used to protect bronze surfaces.