Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our National Documents

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson plan, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breaking Down the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the Declaration of Independence. In this colonial America lesson, students analyze the three sections of the Declaration and determine the beliefs the founding fathers had about rights.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students take a close look at the foundations of American government. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students analyze the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Students participate in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Declaring Freedom

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the sections of the Declaration of Independence.  In this American Government instructional activity, 9th graders participate in a weekly discussion board.  Students create a multimedia project to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explore the Constitution

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. For this American history lesson, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Declaration of Independence and Acts of Courage

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine the trait of courage. In this Declaration of Independence instructional activity, students discuss what it means to be courageous and identify the courageous acts the signers of the Declaration showed. Students research...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deciphering the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the textual meaning of the Declaration of Independence. In this Declaration of Independence lesson, students read and paraphrase the text of the document into modern-day language. Students also consider the meaning of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foundations of American Government: Teacher’s Guide

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the foundations of America. In this early American history lesson, students watch Discovery video segments regarding the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights....
Lesson Plan
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The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine and analyze an unknown document (Jefferson's original rough draught of The Declaration). In this document analysis lesson, students compare the rough draught with the first printed version and work in pairs to analyze...
Interactive
Curated OER

Signers of the Declaration of Independence Word Jumble #2 Worksheet

For Students 2nd - 5th
In this online interactive Declaration of Independence instructional activity, students examine the word bank with the names of the 20 signers of the document. Students use the word bank to unscramble 20 sets of letters. This...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln

For Teachers K
Students study four of the most influential and important presidents in United States history. In this United States presidents lesson, students learn the facts and histories to four of the most influential presidents in history - George...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We Are the Government

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents instructional activity, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

America: Influenced by the Enlightenment

For Teachers 7th - 12th
In this Enlightenment influence study guide worksheet, learners read 5 quotes from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and then respond to 5 reflection questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Worksheet #42 Questions - Shay and Rebellion

For Students 7th - 8th
In this Shay and Rebellion quiz worksheet, learners increase their knowledge through ten fill in the blank questions that relate to the aforementioned topic.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Independence Declared

For Students 6th - 8th
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the nation declaring its independence. A short answer question is included as well.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Signers of The Declaration of Independence

For Students 6th - 8th
In this social studies worksheet, students find the words that declare the signers of The Declaration of Independence and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Decleration of Independence

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders read through, interpret and discuss the Declaration of Independence. They review the 4 main parts of it and add notes to their graphic organizers. They also read about and discuss the writers of the Declaration and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders describe the basic ideas of government and arguments supporting the separation of the colonies from Britain in the Declaration of Independence. They actively participate in class discussion and then review, answering all...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Limited Government: Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars study the limited government within the Declaration of Independence. They discuss the characteristics of a limited government in contrast to a despotic government. They identify principles of the limited government within...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Roots of the Documents of Freedom

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine and analyze various excerpts from documents of freedom such as Magna Carta and Virginia Declaration of Rights, identify how documents influenced each other, and discuss ideas and rights necessary to build representative...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Representation of the Common Citizen From Declaration of Independence to Present

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create working definition of common citizen, and investigate and discuss important sections of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other Amendments. Students demonstrate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Close Look at the First Two Paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders identify the key phrases of the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence and interpret the meaning of those key phrases. Students work in small groups to analyze the paragraphs and answering questions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and The Plan of Delano

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze the philosophy of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a class, they discuss how this philosophy has caused other revolutions in history and how well it supports our natural rights. In groups, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Grievances Against the British Monarchy

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Young scholars review George Washington's reasons for not wanting to be viewed as a monarch. They review the Declaration of Independence and identify five grievances the United States had against the British monarchy. In groups,...