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Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Declare the Causes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Offers lesson plans that guide students to understanding the structure of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the course of the instructional activity, students will be working on writing their own declaration of grievances...
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Primary
US National Archives

Our Documents: Declaration of Independence (1776)

For Students 9th - 10th
The Our Documents group provides a look at the original, signed Declaration of Independence as well as a print version distributed soon after the original was signed. View and learn about the document and its history. RI.9-10.9 US Documents
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Primary
US National Archives

Nara: Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides an extensive overview of the Declaration of Independence. View the actual document, explore the history of the document as well as it's "stylistic artistry," and much more.
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Primary
The History Place

The History Place: The Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Primary
PBS

Pbs: Cet: All Known Drafts of the Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Graphic
Other

Object of History: Other Authors of the Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
View a photo of the committee that discussed the important points to be covered in the Declaration of Independence.
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Activity
Ibis Communications

Eyewitness to History: Writing the Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
An article about the Declaration of Independence which covers the selection of the Committee of Five, Jefferson's writing, the presentation to Congress for approval, the problems in drafting, and the final changes which were made....
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Declaration of Independence (9 12)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the full text of the Declaration of Independence, and get some other interesting information about it. Links at the bottom of the page explore the Declaration of Independence in fuller detail, including what the document is, who...
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Primary
University of Groningen

American History: Documents: Jefferson's Draft:declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
A draft of the Declaration of Independence with changes from the original indicated by brackets.
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Graphic
PBS

Pbs: Photographic Record of "Pursuit of Happiness"

For Students 9th - 10th
Three contemporary photographers define the meaning of "pursuit of happiness" using a series of photographs.
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Website
C-SPAN

C Span American Writers: The Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A brief summary of The Declaration and Constitution by Thomas Jefferson and others. Also includes an on-line text of the work as well as links to other information websites.
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Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: The Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The New York Times Learning Network presents an interactive and printable crossword puzzle on The Declaration of Independence.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Declaring Independence Drafting the Documents

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this timeline for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to learn more about American history. It takes you from June 7, 1776 through the writing of this major document in U.S. history.
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Graphic
Curated OER

The Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
Listen and read along as news reporters from NPR recite the Declaration of Independence. Somehow the document becomes so much more alive as it is being read aloud.