Grade 5 students looked at the different styles of Totem Poles from Alaska, British Columbia, and the Northwest and discussed their cultural and visual significance. In addition, they observed and discussed various types of symbols that were both stereotypical and more unique in order to explore ideas about how symbols create meaning, understanding, and relay information without the use of words.

Using Google Draw, students designed a personal symbol that represented or expressed some aspect of their personality, their family, or something they are passionate about. Their original symbol was then mirrored in order to expand the design into a more complex symbol. Then their designs were cut out using the laser cutter, painted, and attached to the pole. Each pole represents one of the 5th grade art sections.