Lesson Plans
Signing the Declaration of Their Independence
Students compare and contrast a famous print celebrating the Declaration of Independence with a political cartoon about woman suffrage, then complete a close read of the Declaration's introduction or preamble. After, students create a product of their choosing that provides a commentary on the meaning of that text in the context of today.
The Declaration, Her Declaration, Your Declaration
Students analyze the text of the Declaration of Independence and the poem “Declaration” by U.S. poet laureate Tracy K. Smith. After, students create their own Declaration erasure poems that speak to their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Making a Declaration – Beginning
Students investigate the Declaration of Independence as a founding document of the United States, then consider the historical and contemporary relevance of its most famous phrase and how it relates to a personal vision of the American dream.
Making a Declaration – Intermediate
Students investigate the importance of the Declaration of Independence as a founding document of the United States, then consider the historical and contemporary relevance of its most famous phrase and how it relates to a personal vision of the American dream.
Making a Declaration – Advanced
Students investigate the historical impact of the Declaration of Independence, then consider the significance of the Declaration of Independence to the United States today and the contemporary relevance of its most famous phrase to the country, to the community, and to self.
The Declaration of Independence: Created Equal?
Through discussion and primary source analysis, students investigate Thomas Jefferson's efforts to deal with the complex issues of equality and slavery in the Declaration of Independence. After, students rewrite the Declaration of Independence (or portions of it) to fit a contemporary society and may also stage a mock trial with the students playing the roles of Jefferson and others and Library of Congress primary sources serving as evidence.
Celebrating America
Students analyze this primary source to capture what they see, think, feel, and wonder. After they explore the origins of Independence Day celebrations and reflect on why citizens celebrate the birth of their country.