America’s 250th Birthday: The Best Lessons and Works of the Semiquincentennial
We consider these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
These evocative and powerful words are familiar to many 21st century Americans. But in order to truly appreciate their strong and dynamic meaning, we must understand what political and social ideas were commonly held during the Colonial period.
These semiquincentennial lessons and activities provide many ways that educators can teach about our country’s founding, its incredible diversity, and the remarkable divide between ideas and practice.
A note about the word semiquincentennial: As the semiquincentennial approaches, you may feel confused by the centennial dates, which used to be easier to pronounce and spell. But the word actually makes sense for both. Based on Latin roots, the semiquincentennial deconstructs as follows: half meaning half; quin which means five times a century which means the hundredth. It is pronounced sem-ee-kwin-sen-TEN-ee-uhl. Happy 4th of July!
Best Lessons and Works of the Semiquincentennial
National Constitutional Institute: The Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
What is the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? And what about the Bill of Rights – how does that fit in? Although the US Constitution and Bill of Rights did not exist in 1776, it is better to understand these documents as part of the same attempt at democracy and freedom. This in-depth article, written by constitutional experts Jeffrey Rosen and David Rubenstein, examines and clarifies the similarities and differences between these three important founding documents. A great starting point for students in grades 6-12.
American Battlefield Trust: Declaration of Independence Study Program
A detailed, standards-aligned lesson plan for use in the middle and high school classroom. Students will learn about the process of creating and adopting the Declaration of Independence and its historical significance. Includes a teaching guide, PowerPoint presentation, student worksheets, and digital versions of primary source documents.
PBS: Learning Resources for the American Revolution
Based on video excerpts from Ken Burns’ The American RevolutionThese standards-aligned courses explore topics such as: demographics and colonial economics; causes of the American revolution, important events and figures; and effects and legacies of the period. Lessons are categorized and include teacher guides, discussion questions, vocabulary, and handouts. Share on Google Classroom with a free PBS account.
DocsTeach America 250 Activities and Documents
From the National Archives, a selection of downloadable digital versions of primary source documents related to America’s founding and early years. Each document is accompanied by an explanatory text and a complete text so that readers do not have to try to decipher an old manuscript. Selected documentary activities serve as grade-level lesson plans and formative assessments, and include suggested teaching instructions. It is separable from Google Classroom.
The Institution of the Bill of Rights: A Study of the Declaration of Independence
What was the philosophical basis and practical implications of the Declaration of Independence? This comprehensive, well-organized lesson plan delves deeply into these questions about our nation’s founding text. Includes all required readings, activities, teacher’s answer key, lesson extensions, student handouts, and graphic organizers. A free account is required to download the complete course plan in one PDF.
Museum of the American Revolution Mini Lesson Plans
Ten lessons of the American Revolution plan that, although short, nevertheless include everything necessary to cover the topics that include the analysis of the historical element, distinguishing the Declaration, Alexander Hamilton, the people of colonial America, and George vs. George–a comparison between King George III and George Washington.
Museum of the American Revolution: Time of Independence
To Americans of our modern era, it may seem “self-evident” that all colonial Americans would have supported their states’ efforts to gain independence. Although the majority supported independence, this was not universally the case. Check the demographics of supporters of the Revolution vs. How the Loyalists changed in the first six months of 1776. Map-based interaction and links to further research about people and places.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Virtual Field Trip to the Museum of the American Revolution
An energetic and engaging visual tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, hosted by best-selling author Lauren Tarshis. I survived series of children’s books. This video appears to be aimed at younger students but the classroom kit that accompanies the video contains readings for students in grades 2-8. Downloadable PDFs include vocabulary, discussion questions, and answers. Excerpt from Tarshish’ I survived the American Revolution in 1776 is also provided. This would be a good place to start for younger students or any students who respond well to a people-centered approach to history.
ICIVICS Education Investigation Declaration Game
Oh no! A criminal enterprise, known as Baddies Against Rights and Freedom (BARF) infiltrated the Bureau of Ideas with the intention of destroying files related to freedom, democracy, and rights. Enlisted as Special Agents, players will collect clues from 1776 to recover damaged documents and files of the Declaration of Independence. This fun game is complex enough to keep older kids engaged, while also providing vocabulary for younger learners. Available in English and Spanish. A free account is not required, but it allows users to save game progress and compete with others.
National Institute of the Humanities: The American Revolution as a Civil War
We think of the conflict that led to American independence as a revolution—and we often call it the “American Revolution.” But at its heart, wasn’t it actually a civil war? In this lesson for grades 10-12, students will read and analyze a travel journal from 1775, written by a Scottish woman who visited her brother in North Carolina and observed patriotic and loyalist activities. A teacher’s guide, close study questions, and a fillable PDF activity for students are provided. An excellent course for advanced students.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute: Declaration of Independence at 250
A wealth of works dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration. All activities are grade-level and include constructive questions, a teacher’s guide, and interactive materials. Explore topics such as whether the revolution was justified, how and why Congress changed Thomas Jefferson’s original constitution, and the reaction of the British people to the assertion of their colonial rights.
Civics: Why Do We Have So Many Governments?
In this inquiry-based, standards-based lesson plan, students will learn about the three levels of government, the structure and operation of the federal government, and how colonial life and the Articles of Confederation affected the decisions of the founders. Includes a Google slideshow, PDFs, and student handouts. With a free account, teachers can create a class and offer this course.
Abigail Adams and “Remember the Women”
Abigail Adams famously pleaded with her husband John Adams in the months before the Declaration was signed. Students will read his books and analyze their words in response to close reading questions. Teacher’s guide, fillable PDF, vocabulary, interactive exercises, and follow-up activity are all included.
Discovery Education: Free Classroom Resources for the US’s 250th Anniversary
Organized by grade level and theme, this downloadable guide offers selected K-12 social studies resources relevant to the semiquincentennial. Topics covered include the Declaration of Independence, the origins of the US Constitution, equal protection under the law and more. Video, slideshow and interactive text materials are included.
