New York City Department of Education
Colonial America and The American Revolution
How did the founding of the American colonies lead to a revolution? Use the essential question and sample activities to guide learners through a series of history lessons. Additionally, the packet includes effective strategies to...
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Differing Expectations
Students examine the expectations that colonists had for lives prior to the revolution. In this colonial America instructional activity, students read primary documents that feature the perceptions of white men and minorities during the...
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An Empire in the Balance
Eleventh graders investigate the role of New York state during the American Revolution. In small groups, they research a particular region within colonial America, analyze primary source documents, complete Document Analysis Sheets, and...
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Causes of the American Revolution
Students answer the question of: How did England impose its political and economic control over the colonies? They create a comic strip depicting the event of the Boston Massacre. Students complete a Wordstoming activity to anticipate...
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Surrender at Yorktown
Eighth graders examine the start of the American Revolution. In this American History activity, 8th graders analyze primary sources. Students prepare a narration of events leading up to the revolution.
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Kate Fowler: Tory Spy
Fourth graders study the American Revolution and several key aspects and people involved in it. In this American Revolution instructional activity, 4th graders study the land grant for British colonists. Students read the 'The Legend of...
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Portraits of History
Eighth graders research the Post-Revolution to Pre-Civil War era by investigating the life and contributions of a notable person. They create silhouettes which are framed with timeline. Also, they add the research information to the...
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What Makes a Hero?
Here is a well-designed lesson inviting learners to consider the qualities of a hero. They describe the lives and deeds of national, state, and/or local heroes. This is a thoughtful lesson, which is part of a sequential group on heroes....
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Origin of the Purple Heart
Young scholars research the origin of the Purple Heart. In this writing lesson students research personal stories of friends or family who have received the Purple Heart. Young scholars then design their own armed forces award complete...
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The Design Revolution: Get the Word Out
Students research the "Design for the Other 90%" exhibition and create a presentation about the low cost designs. In this design lesson, students read and watch a video about the project. Students survey people about publicizing events....
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An Ancient Revolution: The Written Word
Students examine the Bible, one of the earliest written sources, as a compilation of narratives, and search the resources on the HERITAGE DVD-ROM for historical "proof" as well as create their own stories and scripts based on ancient...
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Stamp Act: Virtual Representation vs. Actual Representation
Eleventh graders research and discuss the different points of view of colonists in terms of taxation, as well as how these viewpoints helped lead to the revolution.
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Uniform Design
Students investigate the military by examining their uniforms. In this design lesson, students analyze the military uniforms from different locations and time periods. Students create new ideas for current military uniforms.
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Bossy Britain Upsets Colonists
Students examine the causes of dissatisfaction that led to the American Revolution. Then they make a Flap Vocabulary Book and glue on a map of the thirteen colonies and make a title page called "Road to War in it." Students also...
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Native Lands: Indians in Georgia-Shifting Ground Political Cartoon-Introduction
Students explore the relationship between the Creek, Cherokee, and European/American cultures prior to the American Revolution. Students do Internet research to identify and explain changes in these cultures, then create six panel...
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Find Yourself with Global Positioning
Students examine different types of new mapping technologies. They use the internet to gather information about mapping and navigation. They create their own global positioning tool and defend it to the class.
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The Origins of American Government
Learners create an advertising campaign to persuade the Founding Fathers to adopt a particular political philosophy. Working in groups, they conduct research about a certain political philosophy. Students create a pitch to be made to...
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Victorian Celebrations
Fifth graders investigate the Victorian era by participating in Victorian style activities. In this World History instructional activity, 5th graders read about the traditions and customs of men and woman from the Victorian era and how...
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Archaeological Study
Students analyze the difference between archaeology and anthropology while studying the evolution of different products. In this archaeology and anthropology lesson, students trace the progression of a certain tool or product and come up...
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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A Changing Society: Industrialization and Urbanization
Students participate in activities that teach them about the Gilded Age of industrialization and urbanization. In this social changing lesson plan, students answer questions, watch videos, have discussions, read texts, and more to teach...
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Presentation of Pilgrims
Young scholars are given a category to research (clothes, life before the New World, the voyage, etc.) about Pilgrim life. s Students, in groups, create presentations using software program such as PowerPoint.
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Historical Atlas
Sixth graders evaluate how revolutions have affected the world throughout history (i.e. boundaries of nations, culture, economics, etc...) through the research for and creation of a historical atlas for assigned countries.
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Pollutants and Contaminants
Students define pollution and contaminants by constructing a Definition and Concept Trail that illustrates how they are connected to health. They give examples of health issues during the Industrial Revolution by conducting textbook...