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Explore the Constitution
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American history lesson, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.
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Declaration of Independence and Acts of Courage
Young scholars examine the trait of courage. For this Declaration of Independence lesson, students discuss what it means to be courageous and identify the courageous acts the signers of the Declaration showed. Young scholars research the...
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Deciphering the Declaration of Independence
Students explore the textual meaning of the Declaration of Independence. In this Declaration of Independence lesson, students read and paraphrase the text of the document into modern-day language. Students also consider the meaning of...
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Foundations of American Government: Teacher’s Guide
Students explore the foundations of America. For this early American history lesson, students watch Discovery video segments regarding the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights....
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The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation
Students examine and analyze an unknown document (Jefferson's original rough draught of The Declaration). In this document analysis lesson plan, students compare the rough draught with the first printed version and work in pairs to...
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Signers of the Declaration of Independence Word Jumble #2 Worksheet
In this online interactive Declaration of Independence worksheet, students examine the word bank with the names of the 20 signers of the document. Students use the word bank to unscramble 20 sets of letters. This worksheet may also be...
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Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln
Students study four of the most influential and important presidents in United States history. In this United States presidents lesson, students learn the facts and histories to four of the most influential presidents in history - George...
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We Are the Government
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents lesson, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the Constitution...
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America: Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this Enlightenment influence study guide worksheet, pupils read 5 quotes from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and then respond to 5 reflection questions.
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Worksheet #42 Questions - Shay and Rebellion
In this Shay and Rebellion quiz instructional activity, students increase their knowledge through ten fill in the blank questions that relate to the aforementioned topic.
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Independence Declared
In this United States history instructional activity, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the nation declaring its independence. A short answer question is included as well.
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Signers of The Declaration of Independence
In this social studies worksheet, students find the words that declare the signers of The Declaration of Independence and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
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The Decleration of Independence
Eighth graders read through, interpret and discuss the Declaration of Independence. They review the 4 main parts of it and add notes to their graphic organizers. They also read about and discuss the writers of the Declaration and...
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The Declaration of Independence
Middle schoolers begin their examination of the Declaration of Independence. Using the text, they answer questions for their citizenship interview. They also examine the role of Jefferson in creating the document and how he participated...
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Exploring the Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders describe the basic ideas of government and arguments supporting the separation of the colonies from Britain in the Declaration of Independence. They actively participate in class discussion and then review, answering all...
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Limited Government: Declaration of Independence
Students study the limited government within the Declaration of Independence. They discuss the characteristics of a limited government in contrast to a despotic government. They identify principles of the limited government within the...
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Roots of the Documents of Freedom
Learners examine and analyze various excerpts from documents of freedom such as Magna Carta and Virginia Declaration of Rights, identify how documents influenced each other, and discuss ideas and rights necessary to build representative...
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Representation of the Common Citizen From Declaration of Independence to Present
Students create working definition of common citizen, and investigate and discuss important sections of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other Amendments. Students demonstrate...
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A Close Look at the First Two Paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence
Twelfth graders identify the key phrases of the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence and interpret the meaning of those key phrases. Students work in small groups to analyze the paragraphs and answering questions...
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Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and The Plan of Delano
Eighth graders analyze the philosophy of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a class, they discuss how this philosophy has caused other revolutions in history and how well it supports our natural rights. In groups, they...
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Grievances Against the British Monarchy
Students review George Washington's reasons for not wanting to be viewed as a monarch. They review the Declaration of Independence and identify five grievances the United States had against the British monarchy. In groups, students...
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The Declaration of Independence and Your Own Rights
Students read and discuss the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments. They discuss how the rights of the colonists and women were being violated. Students write about their own personal rights and how their rights...
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Building a Nation
Eighth graders identify the main ideas of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. They read and discuss text, read and summarize a section of the Declaration of Independence in small groups, and write a paper on why the colonists felt it...
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Examining the Declaration of Independence
Students examine the Declaration of Independence and its significance to American history. They read the document, identify America's grievances with Great Britain, and restate a part of the document in their own words.