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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ending the War, 1783

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate how successful they were in obtaining their goals in the Revolutionary War. The peace feelers of 1775 are examined and the reasons for the British rejection of them explored. the main provisions of the Treaty...
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PPT
Curated OER

The American Revolution: Creating a New Nation

For Teachers 10th - 12th
The American Government was founded on several major principles which led to the US Constitution, Federal System, and Bill of Rights. This presentation follows Colonial America on its journey from colony, to freedom fighter, to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Images of the American Revolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze several documents as they research the Revolutionary War. They evaluate documents and examine them for bias and perspective. They use their research to write monologues from the point of view of a famous Revolutionary...
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Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Were There Two Wars for American Independence?

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Young scholars debate whether or not the War of 1812 can be counted as America's second war of independence. After researching the War of 1812, they complete a WebQuest designed to help them decide on the validity of the war as a quest...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Political Ramifications of the American Revolution

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils, in groups, research a topic from the Revolutionary War. They present their research to the class as a review and the instructor summarizes important information. They take a test on the presented topics.
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Unit Plan
Massachusetts Historical Society

Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Second Continental Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes events that led to the formation of the Second Continental Congress and ultimately American independence. Includes supporting original documents and great teacher resources.
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Website
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Jefferson (Spanish)

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography on Thomas Jefferson with pictures and links.
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Primary
US National Archives

Our Documents: Treaty of Paris (1783)

For Students 9th - 10th
A wonderful interactive look at an original copy of the Treaty of Paris (1783). This treaty ended the Revolutionary War. Along with the original copy is a brief, informative paragraph. Also find links to larger images and downloadable...
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Primary
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: America in Class: Making the Revolution: Independence: 1783 1791

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection of eight primary resources with introductory notes, classroom discussion questions, and supplemental links on the period following the Revolutionary War, 1783-1791 and the making of a new nation.
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Lesson Plan
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: America in Class: Thomas Paine's Common Sense, 1776

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Lesson on how Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense convinced reluctant Americans to abandon the goal of reconciliation with Britain and accept independence as the only option for preserving their liberty.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: The New Nation

For Teachers 9th - 10th
After the War of Independence, Americans were unable to agree on the form of their federal government. This unit explores how those conflicts played out as the new Republic defined its identity in relation to other nations.
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Unit Plan
PBS

Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of the u.s. Independence Webisode 1

For Students 9th - 10th
Webisode 1-Independence. The history of the United States is presented in a series of webisodes, within each are a number of segments.Included are links to lesson plans, teacher guides, resources, activities, and tools.
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Article
CommonLit

Common Lit: "The Road to American Independence" by Jessica Mc Birney

For Students 9th - 10th
This informational text recounts America's road to independence, starting from the beginning of English colonization in North America and ending with the final battle of the American Revolution. A specific purpose for reading and...
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Handout
Other

Colonial Hall: Richard Henry Lee

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a detailed biography of Richard Henry Lee, including his role in the Virginia House of Burgesses, second Continental Congress, and American independence.
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Activity
Ibis Communications

Eye Witness to History: The Boston Tea Party, 1773

For Students 9th - 10th
This article details information surrounding the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Richard Henry Lee

For Students 9th - 10th
The Library of Congress provides a brief biography of Richard Henry Lee. Select "Return to Essay" to explore his role within the context of America's fight towards independence.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: The Most Important Thing He Ever Wrote

For Students 3rd - 5th
Tells about Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence.
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Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: The Treaty of Paris Is Ratified

For Students 3rd - 8th
The Continental Congress gathered to end the Revolutionary War, and solidify their independence from England with the Treaty of Paris. Briefly overviews the events, and presents a photo of the Maryland State Capital, where the delegates...
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Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation

For Students 3rd - 8th
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris

For Students 5th - 8th
Read about the siege of Yorktown and the inability of Cornwallis to be resupplied, resulting in his surrender of 8,000 British troops to General George Washington. The end of the Revolutionary War was finalized with the Treaty of Paris...
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Graphic
Other

History View: Liberty Bell

For Students 9th - 10th
Take a virtual field trip of the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Unit Plan
TES Global

Blendspace: World's Greatest Break Up Letter

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Work through twenty-four links to websites, videos, images, and activities to learn about the Declaration of Independence and how it came to be.
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Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: Life as a Revolutionary War Soldier

For Students 1st - 9th
Kids learn about Life as a Revolutionary War Soldier including the Continentla army, the militia, and the British Red Coats.