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All grades  Project 5 weeks

Revolutionary Tales: Heroes & Happenings!

Tess H
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.9
D2.Civ.8.6-8
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the historical context of the American Revolution through a hands-on, role-playing project. By exploring the causes, diverse perspectives, and contributions of lesser-known figures, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will engage in self-directed learning and academic writing, fostering a deeper understanding of foundational U.S. documents and their impact on society. This project aims to build students' sense of identity and belonging while enhancing their academic mindset and writing abilities.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the causes and effects of the American Revolution, focusing on the diverse perspectives and contributions of lesser-known figures and different colonial groups. They will engage in critical reading of foundational U.S. documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution, to understand their themes and rhetorical features. Through role play and self-directed learning, students will develop academic writing skills, critical thinking, and a sense of identity and belonging within the historical context.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9 - Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.9 - Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"), including how they address related themes and concepts.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.8.6-8 - Analyze ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States, and explain how they influence the social and political system.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a portfolio that includes a series of reflective journal entries documenting their role-play experiences and insights into the diverse perspectives of the American Revolution. They will also write an analytical essay exploring one of the essential questions, using evidence from foundational U.S. documents and their role-play experiences. Additionally, students will collaborate on a creative presentation, such as a skit or a digital story, that showcases the contributions of lesser-known figures and the impact on their communities.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Revolutionary Role Play' day where students are assigned historical roles, including lesser-known figures, from the American Revolution. Students will research their characters and prepare to engage in a simulation that explores diverse contributions and perspectives. This immersive experience will set the stage for deeper exploration of the causes and effects of the Revolution, while fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning.

Exhibition

Host a "Colonial Fair" where students present their research and writing on the American Revolution through interactive exhibits. Each student or group can create a booth representing different perspectives, figures, or groups from the Revolution, complete with visual displays, artifacts, and role-play interactions. Invite parents, peers, and community members to engage with the exhibits, ask questions, and provide feedback. This event will allow students to demonstrate their understanding, analytical skills, and creativity while fostering a sense of community and shared learning.