National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The Argument of the Declaration of Independence
In this lesson plan, young scholars will consider "The Argument of the Declaration of Independence." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Thomas Jefferson: The Declaration of Independence
This site discusses the The Declaration of Independence, and includes information on Thomas Jefferson's role in its creation.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: To Establish Justice
Outline explaining the ideals and intentions for a newly formed nation as spelled out in the of the Declaration of Independence.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Common Sense and Independence
Overview of the philosophy of Thomas Paine in his widely read Common Sense pamphlet, and "natural rights" philosphy as expressed in the opening passage of the Declaration of Independence.
Digital History
Digital History: The Road to Revolution
A time line and explanation of the many events, including the colonists' interpretations of those events, that led to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Digital History
Digital History: Was the Revolution Justified?
A terrific look at the twenty-seven specific reasons Thomas Jefferson cited in the Declaration of Independence and the support for those reasons of why the colonists felt justified in breaking the bonds with Great Britain.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers
In this lesson plan, students will consider "Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Declaration of Independence: An Expression of the American Mind
In this lesson plan, learners will consider "The Declaration of Independence: "An Expression of the American Mind"." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence
Independence is so important to Americans. Congress for Kids provides a tutorial on this core value.
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Images of the American Revolution
The National Archives and Records Administration provides a lesson plan on the American Revolution. Content includes excellent historical background, as well as several primary source documents, pictures, and engravings detailing various...
University of Virginia
Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating
An online exhibit telling about the original creation of the Declaration of Independence and its many forms after. W.11-12.9b US Doc Analysis
The History Place
The History Place: The Declaration of Independence
This site from The History Place provides both relevant pictures and the full text of the Declaration of Independence. An audio version is also available. Click on "American Revolution Main Index Page" for information on the war itself.
The History Place
The History Place: American Revolution
The History Place provides this timeline broken into six different sections that highlight the important events from the early European exploration of America through to the United States becoming a country. Features include informative...
The History Place
The History Place: A New Nation (1784 to 1790)
This site from The History Place provides a timeline of American history between 1784 and 1790. Mentions many famous people and events of the era. Links to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, James Madison, the Constitution, Bill...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Signers of the Declaration: John Adams
This site provides an interactive biography of former President John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Liberty Bell
A detailed overview of the Liberty Bell, coverng its role as an American symbol and its history.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Francis Hopkinson
Wikipedia provides brief biographical information on Francis Hopkinson, American Author and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Declaration of Independence: 1776
Website with games and information on American government provides information on the Declaration of Independence and summarizes the history surrounding the document.
PBS
Pbs: Liberty!: The Declaration of Independence
Here you can find a general overview of the Declaration of Independence, followed by its full text.
PBS
Pbs: Liberty!
This site from PBS provides background information on the Revolutionary War, along with a photo essay and game.
PBS
Pbs: Cet: All Known Drafts of the Declaration of Independence
Three known drafts of the Declaration are available from this website. Click on the links to the left to see the different drafts. Links to Ken Burn's interview transcripts are also provided.
Other
Founding Fathers
Find information about the founding fathers and what they accomplished. Presents the Federalist Papers, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and The U.S. Constitution. Also includes images, quotes, a history of the...
Other
Thomas Jefferson
Citizendium is similar to Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia where the public edits articles. In this article, an overview of Jefferson's life and political views are provided.