Declaration of Independence

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this activity, students research why countries declare their independence, the process for declaring independence, and declarations of independence in other parts of the Western Hemisphere. Students also focus their research on the United States' Declaration of Independence and how the American colonists' first began the process for their independence.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 5

SS10.5.8

Identify major events of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

UP:SS10.5.8

Vocabulary

  • identify
  • evaluate
  • contributions
  • principles
  • mobilize
  • Committees of Correspondence
  • Liberty
  • boycott
  • Continental Congress
  • ordinary citizens
  • American Revolution
  • declaration
  • financier
  • popular sovereignty
  • limited government
  • bicameral
  • unicameral
  • Great Compromise
  • Annapolis Convention

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The major events of the American Revolution as it relates to the battles and other events.
  • The principles contained in the Declaration of Independence.
  • The contributions of significant people and supporters of the American Revolution.
  • The contributions of African Americans, women, merchants and farmers.
  • The efforts used to gain support for the American Revolution by the Minutemen, Committees of Correspondence, First Continental Congress, Sons of Liberty, boycotts, and the Second Continental Congress.
  • The location on a map of major battles during the American Revolution.
  • The reasons for colonial victory in the American Revolution.
  • The effect of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 on the development of the United States.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify, describe, and evaluate events, individuals, and groups important in historic events.
  • Examine and interpret historic documents. Compare and contrast the contributions of significant people and events.
  • Identify the contribution ordinary people such as Haym Solomon.
  • Describe the contributions of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, George Washington, and supporters from other countries to the American Revolution.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Through the events of the American Revolution and the contributions of many people, the United States gained independence from Great Britain.

CR Resource Type

Learning Activity

Resource Provider

College Career & Civic Life

License Type

Custom
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