+
Lesson Plan
1
1
National Endowment for the Humanities

Lost Hero: Was John Hanson Actually the First President?

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
The first president of the United States was ... John Hanson? Scholars investigate the notion that the initial leader of the nation was not George Washington. Using research, articles, and open discussion, individuals create a quest for...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
National Endowment for the Humanities

The "To Do List" of the Continental Congress

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
What is on your to-do list today? The second lesson of a three-part series on Lost Heroes of America investigates the laundry list of items in front of the second Continental Congress. Scholars research, analyze, and present information...
+
Lesson Plan
North Carolina Consortium for Middle East Studies

Federalists v. Anti‐Federalists

For Teachers 8th Standards
Here is a solid lesson plan to support your instruction on the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. It includes close analysis of primary source images, a guided notes template and answer key, and many key points to...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The War in the North, 1775-1778

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the hardships and difficulties that the Continental army faced in the early years of the American War for independence. the battles of Lexington and concord and the expectations of the Continental Army forms the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Drafting the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students working in small groups to compare and contrast the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson with the final version. They list the differences and decide on why the changes were made.
+
PPT
Curated OER

Liberty! The American Revolution

For Teachers 1st - 5th
This presentation reviews some of the reasons that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War. It provides a brief overview and images for events like the French and Indian War, the...
+
Interactive
Curated OER

The American Revolution (1754–1781)

For Students 8th - 12th
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about the American Revolution. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Declaration of Independence

For Students 10th - 11th
In this social studies learning exercise, students locate 54 words relating to the Declaration of Independence in a word search. Students may self correct by selecting the link at the bottom of the page.
+
Primary
Massachusetts Historical Society

Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Declarations of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
Features the history behind the document that "shaped the course of American history" and gave Americans their independence. Includes many supporting original documents and teacher resources.
+
Unit Plan
Massachusetts Historical Society

Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Washington Takes Command of the Army

For Students 9th - 10th
George Washington is chosen as the leader of the colonies in their fight against the British in the American Revolution and becomes commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Evidence is supported by original documents.
+
Unit Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: The Learning Page: Government Policy Toward Native Americans

For Students 9th - 10th
How did the new government deal the Native Americans living in the Northwest Territory? Find out what the government did to keep the peace between the original inhabitants and the new settlers.
+
Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: American Memory: Journals of the Continental Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
A comprehensive list of links to the original text of the official journals of the proceedings of the First and Second Continental Congresses.
+
Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: Journals of the Continental Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
These journals from the Continental Congress of the United States will provide students with a greater understanding of the foundations of American government as established in the late 18th century. Includes handwritten documents by...
+
Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Constitution Day Resources

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A selection of online resources from THOMAS that have to do with the US Constitution.
+
Website
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: American Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
Part of Fordham University's Internet Modern History Sourcebook, this site gives historical background and extensive web resources on American Independence.
+
Primary
University of Chicago

The Founders' Constitution: Resolution & Letter to the Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
The original and complete text of the letter approved by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787 recommending the newly adopted U.S. Constitution to the Congress and the states for ratification.
+
Activity
US Army Center

U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Continental Army and the Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed description of the events in and around the formation and support of The Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.
+
Article
PBS

Pbs Liberty!: Independence! Philadelphia 1776

For Students 6th - 8th
The newspaper layout makes it simple to read the accounts of the reaction to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The article includes valuable links including an introduction to Thomas Paine and his role in this event.
+
Primary
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: Core Documents of u.s.democracy

For Students 9th - 10th
Direct online access to the basic Federal Government documents that define our democratic society, a core group of current and historical Government publications.
+
Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives a biography of President James Monroe. From the left-hand toolbar, select information about his life before presidency, campaigns and elections, and also domestic affairs. Links to the first lady, cabinet members , and...
+
Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a collection of material regarding the work of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Content includes a focus on how the Revolutionary War was organized, fanning the flames of patriotism,...
+
Primary
Other

The Federalist Papers: John Jay

For Students 9th - 10th
A good biography of John Jay's extensive political efforts for U.S. throughout his life.
+
Primary
University of Virginia

University of Virginia: Thomas Jefferson Digital Archive

For Students 9th - 10th
This online collection of Thomas Jefferson resources includes texts, quotations, and bibliographies, along with documents which were written either by or to Jefferson.
+
Lesson Plan
Huntington Library

Huntington Library: Causes of American Revolution: Soldiers and Civilians at War

For Teachers 5th
In this lesson, 5th graders look at causes and consequences of the American Revolution, at nations and individuals that impacted the outcome, at the roles women played, and at how the war affected families, economics, and the...