Grade Level/ Age of Students
Year or Grade 7 (age 11-12)
Subject Area
History
Lesson Length
45 minutes each day
Objectives
- Understand the events leading up to the American Revolution
- Analyze the causes and effects of the American Revolution
- Understand the key figures involved in the American Revolution
- Develop critical thinking and writing skills through class discussions, reading, and written assignments
Materials
- American Revolution timeline
- Textbook or other appropriate reading materials
- Primary sources related to the American Revolution
- Writing supplies
Day 1
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Introduction to the American Revolution
- Historical background leading up to the Revolution
- Overview of events leading up to the Revolution
Class Discussion (20 minutes)
- Discuss the reasons for the American Revolution
- Analyze primary sources related to the Revolution
- Discuss the effects of the Revolution
Homework (20 minutes)
- Read the assigned textbook chapter on the American Revolution
- Write a short summary of the chapter, highlighting key events and causes of the Revolution
The image of {a British troop marching with a musket} marching towards a group of colonists, angered by new taxes, could be included to help students visualize the tension between the two groups.
Day 2
Review (5 minutes)
- Review the previous day's discussion and homework assignment
Class Discussion (20 minutes)
- Analyze and discuss the Declaration of Independence
- Discuss the impact of the Declaration on the American colonies and its significance in American history
Activity (20 minutes)
- Divide into groups and create a timeline of events leading up to the American Revolution
- Present the timeline to the class
Homework (20 minutes)
- Research and write a short essay on a key figure of the American Revolution (e.g. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson)
The image of {the signing of the Declaration of Independence} could be included to help students visualize the momentous occasion.
Day 3
Review (5 minutes)
- Review the previous day's activity and homework assignment
Class Discussion (20 minutes)
- Discuss the role of women in the American Revolution
- Analyze primary sources related to women's involvement in the Revolution
Activity (20 minutes)
- Divide into groups and create a propaganda poster related to the American Revolution
- Present the posters to the class
Homework (20 minutes)
- Read a primary source related to the American Revolution (e.g. a letter written by a colonist, a newspaper article) and write a short analysis of its significance in American history
The image of {a woman dressed in colonial clothing, holding a rifle and a flag} could be included to help students visualize the role of women in the Revolution.
Day 4
Review (5 minutes)
- Review the previous day's activity and homework assignment
Class Discussion (20 minutes)
- Analyze and discuss the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution
- Discuss the impact of the Treaty on both the British Empire and the United States
Activity (20 minutes)
- Create a cause-and-effect diagram illustrating the key events leading up to the American Revolution and its impact on American and British society
Homework (20 minutes)
- Write a short essay on the significance of the American Revolution in world history
The image of {the signing of the Treaty of Paris} could be included to help students visualize the end of the Revolution.
Day 5
Review (5 minutes)
- Review the previous day's activity and homework assignment
Class Discussion (20 minutes)
- Discuss the legacy of the American Revolution
- Analyze the influence of the American Revolution on the world
Activity (20 minutes)
- Write a letter as if you were a colonial during the American Revolution
- Share the letters with the class
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Review key events and figures related to the American Revolution
- Discuss the importance of studying history and its relevance to modern society
Homework (20 minutes)
- Create a poster or infographic summarizing the key events and figures of the American Revolution
The image of {a modern American flag next to a colonial flag} could be included to help students visualize the connection between the Revolutionary era and modern American society.