On every July 4th, we watch fireworks and celebrate our independence, but how is the history of the American Revolution preserved? Four social studies lesson guide learners through different memorials, commemorative objects, and restored historical places to evaluate the different ways that people remember the time period.

Concepts

the american revolution, causes of the american revolution, historic preservation, george washington, the declaration of independence, primary source images, primary sources

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Bring to a language arts class to focus on informational text and primary source analysis
• Have learners complete the extension ideas as homework assignments or longer projects
• Take a field trip to a local history museum or historical site for individuals to note how the legacy of people and events are being honored and/or preserved

Classroom Considerations

• Some of the documents are in color; consider printing these and laminating them to preserve ink and maintain understanding

Pros

• Prompts students to think critically about historic events in the context of today's world
• Encourages learners to see poems as symbols of a historic event's legacy
• Comes with the materials needed for each of the four lessons

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.5.1 RI.6.1 RI.7.1 RI.8.1