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Deciphering the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners 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. Learners also consider the meaning of...
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Happy Endings: The Final Battle

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore all the myths of the battle of Yorktown. A variety of primary documents are viewed and analyzed for discussion. They become aware that what one sees and hears is not always as it seems in reality. Each group...
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Historical Perspective

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the different perspectives of important groups and figures involved in the American Revolution and apply their findings to write and perform monologues depicting this pivotal time in history.
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Jamestown in Context: The Colonization of North America

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Pupils analyze the significance of Jamestown in the broader picture of colonization and analyze a historical document to determine the effects of previous explorations on the expectations of the Jamestown colonizers
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Boston Spies' Report on the Redcoats

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students collect information about British actions in Boston and send it by secret message to leaders in Philadelphia.
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Independent - To Be Or Not To Be

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine national symbols of freedom and speech strategies. They study the constitution, forefathers, and the Declaration of Independence.
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Simulation: The King's Candy

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners examine the British tax laws in Colonial America. In this U. S. history lesson, students participate in a simulation that replicates the taxes levied by the British.
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Pontiac's War

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students interpret primary sources concerning Pontiac's Rebellion. They are able to explain the motives behind the attack on the British. Students predict possible outcomes of Pontiac's Rebllion.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 1, Lesson 2: Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research the thirteen significant events that lead to the start of the American Revolution.
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1776: The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students examine the significance of Lake Champlain in the Revolutionary War. In this American Revolution lesson, students discuss how Lake Champlain was integral to the war, create war time lines, and identify the 13 original colonies.
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Pocumtucks In Deerfield

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Young scholars read a story about the Pocumtucks' religious beliefs. Using the text, they discover their concept of land ownership and how they migrated within their territory in different seasons. They use primary and secondary...
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Rewrite History Role Play: Make Your Own Treaty

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create a new treaty to maintain peace with the Casco Bay Conference. They discuss the wars between 1675 and 1763 and work in groups to conduct a peace conference. They prepare for the conference and create a new treaty. They...
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be: Say It Again, Uncle Sam

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders revise and edit an oral presentation on the American Revolution based on peer feedback. They refine their oral presentation style and pinpoint areas in need of improvement.
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Johnny Tremain for the 21st Century

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on the American Revolution based on the novel, 'Johnny Tremain.' They define key vocabulary terms, develop a timeline, write a report on a colonial craft, make a colonial flag, and create a...
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Getting the News about the Stamp Act

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Learners review opinions of the Stamp Act as stated in colonial newspaper articles of the 1760's. They compare colonial newspapers to those of today. They take a side regarding the Tax Act and write a note to a friend explaining their...
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Wake Up King George!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the conflict between the American colonies and England and write about it. In this America verses England lesson plan, 4th graders read books, watch videos, and have class discussions about this time in history...
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The Road to the American Revolution

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the causes of the American Revolution. In this American Revolution instructional activity, 5th graders examine the people, places, and events that led to the outbreak of war in the colonies.
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Trade Trials Treaties

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the trade relationships that existed in the late 1700's Colonial America. For this American history lesson, 4th graders examine English and Cherokee trade treaties by reviewing primary and secondary sources....
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Cinco de Mayo

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners investigate the Cinco de Mayo holiday. They discuss the history of Cinco de Mayo, listen to the Legend of the Mexican flag, color a worksheet of the Mexican flag, and create a class coat of arms.
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Turning Points in the American Revolution

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine the causes and effects of the American Revolution. In groups, they make a portfolio page and write a response to the Proclamation of 1763. They also make a timeline of the events of the Boston Massacre and answer...
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Road to Revolution (Part 3)

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students explore the road to the American Revolution. In this American history lesson, students research the events in colonial America that led to the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. They then create a timeline.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 2, Lesson E: In My Opinion . . .

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders read paragraphs that they've written from a Mountains to Climb self-reflection worksheet.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 3, Lesson F: Coming to Terms

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders develop vocabulary through the study of the American Revolution.
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Lesson 10: History of Illinois 1700's Dual Timeline

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a journal that includes historic events that occurred in Illinois in the 1700's that features entries on the same topics from different perspectives.