- Grade Focus
- Grade 11
- Age Level
- 16
- Subject
- History
- Technology Integration Activity
- Digital Ethics, Discovering the Internet, PowerPoint Presentations
- Estimated Time of Completion
- 1.5
The Revolution Begins
Downloads for this lesson plan
Introduction
This is a 1-2 day (1-2 ninety minute blocks) lesson that can be expanded to use web resources at the discretion of the instructor. This lesson reifnorces the concept of revolution and how/why the American colonists decided to rebel againts the English crown. Depending on the instructor, the students will not only particpate in evaluating an online PowerPoint presentaion, but also create a letter to the editor of a colonial newspaper describing the reaction to British policies.Prerequisite Experience
Students should be have basic computer operation skills, knowledge of web browsing, and common academic functions such as word procession and presentation building.Teacher Prep Time
1-2 hours. Most of the prep time will be dedicated to preparing a PowerPoint to upload to a school site for students to view in small groups. Additional time may be required to create examples of letters to the editor.Project
Students will create a ltter to the editor of a colonial newspaper that outlines a colonial reaction to British taxing policies.Assessment/Grading
Grading Rubric: 50 points based on content accuracy, following format instructions, creativity/originality, grammar/spelling, and authenticity (10 points each)Time Management Tips
Provide examples and specific guidlines for student sto emulate.Lesson Plan Details
Engage
Ask students to define the word “revolutionary”. Discuss what may cause someone to desire a new way of life or a new way of thinking.
* Possible web resource: Dictionary.com; Worldbook online (via school subscription)
Each student will be issued a laptop for the class. They can use the aforementioned sites to help them with the “engage” exercise.
Explore
- The students will view a video introducing the Revolutionary time period.
- Students will use provided laptops to login to the class sharepoint site and upload a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the British colonial policies before the revolution.
- The teacher will provide discussion questions for the students to answer from the PowerPoint and the provided website links within.
*Possible web resource: In addition to the school sharepoint site, students can browse video clips on Unitedstreamming.com for more information on the Revolutionary time period.
Explain
- Students will work in small groups to address a particular British policy (Stamp Act, Sugar Act, etc.) and explain how the colonies reacted to it.
- Each small group will present their findings to the other groups.
*Possible web resource: Photostory 3 (download), Animoto.com: This portion of the lesson could be extended into a multi-day activity by allowing students to present a British policy and colonial reaction using pictures and narration.
Elaborate
· Students will work individually to complete a “You Are” activity in the role of a colonists.
· Students will write a letter to the editor of a newspaper explaining why he or she is upset about the recent taxes levies on the colonies. The letters must be typed and be two paragraphs in length. They should include specific reasons why the colonist is suffering due to the new taxes. (may be finished for homework)
· Differentiation alternative: Colonial comic building using ToonDoo or Makebelief comics.
*Possible web resource: earlyamerica.com allows students to peruse actual newspapers, pamphlets, and publications from the colonial era
Evaluate
Students will be evaluated on a 100 point scale.
-50 points for Participation and discussion using the PowerPoint
-50 points for successful completion of the “You are a colonist” letter.Extend
Extra credit may be offered to students who participate in the online discussion forum about modern day grievances or the need for a revolution in a certain part of our country or government.
*Possible web resource: edublogs.org, kidblog.com