The decision of Britain's North American colonies to rebel against the Mother Country was an extremely risky one. In this unit, consisting of three lesson plans, students will learn about the diplomatic and military aspects of the American War for Independence.

Cross curricular lesson plan integrating Computer Science and Social Studies Standards CS 6.1-4 Social Science USI.5 e, USI6 a, b, c, d 

Students will apply their knowledge of the causes of the American Revolution to create an interactive story via Twine. The interactive story will be based on the pre-revolutionary war period from the point of view of a loyalist or a patriot. As a warm-up students will look at an optical illusion picture and as a class discuss point of view and perspective. Students will work in heterogeneous pairs/groups to research, outline, and create a pre-revolutionary story about a patriot or loyalist.

Students will examine the life of Phillis Wheatley. They will explore how as a woman, Phillis was able to fight for freedom during the American Revolution as enslaved, or formerly enslaved people. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to learn more about the life and journey of Phillis, as well as her impact on historical events.

Teachers will be able to use this lesson virtually or in person! This Google Slide deck lesson can also be downloaded as a PowerPoint! Speaker notes are included which make it easy for teachers or substitutes to teach this lesson! Read Aloud: John, Paul, George, & Ben*Literacy Objective: We will discuss important people from the American Revolution and identify how they have changed over time. *Social Studies Objectives: We will identify the causes and effects of the American Revolution. We will also identify the key events and people from the American Revolution. *Art Objective: The student will use the following to express meaning in works of art:   a) Color—student-mixed hues, tints, shades, tones.Hampton Oaks Elementary School (Kari Nugent, Annie Schmidt, Lindsey Bruce, Melissa DiAscro, & Rebecca Fausett)

Students will examine the life of Crispus Attucks and/or James Lafayette. They will explore how both men were able to fight for their freedom as enslaved, or formerly enslaved people. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to learn more about the life and journey of  both of these men, as well as their impact on historical events.

In this activity students will analyze various forms of primary sources, images and text, based on differing accounts of the Boston Massacre.  Students will use this information to construct a historically accurate timeline (story) using the website twinery.org.

Fifth grade students in Michigan begin their study of American history with American Indian peoples before the arrival of European explorers and conclude with the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791.

Students will sort and analyze data about a historical figure from the American Revolution then create a desk depicting the accomplishments, life events and/or experiences,  positive and negative of the historical figure of that individual. Students will work in heterogeneous groups on a project where they sort data and analyze data about a historical figure during the American Revolution. Students will use the data collected to create a depiction of the historical figure’s desk.