Materials

• Handout with project instructions and guidelines
• Overhead projector
• Blank overhead transparency
• Short video about the American Revolution

Instructional Activities

1. Explain to students that over the next few sessions, they are going to study the Revolutionary War. Ask students to identify a few things they already know about the Revolutionary time period. Prompt discussion by asking, who, when, key places, reasons, etc. Record their responses on an overhead transparency for future reference.
   
   
2. Explain to students that they are going to develop a project on the Revolutionary time period. They will select one of the following topics to develop into their project:
   • A pictorial timeline of events from 1650 through 1783 related to the Revolution
   • A graphic organizer that depicts the chain of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence
   • A chart that identifies key colonial leaders and their contributions. At least 20 leaders spanning the time period from 1650 through 1783 should be identified.
   • A table that identifies the acts (with their dates) related to the colonies that were passed by the British government, the reason for each act, and the colonists’ reaction. The table should also include, if applicable, the response to each act as written later in the United States Constitution.
   • A newspaper article (at least three pages) written from the point of view of a Patriot or a Loyalist that defends your position on whether or not the colonies should revolt. The paper should reflect knowledge of the historical events surrounding the American Revolution.
   
   Show samples of each possible project. Provide a handout that briefly explains the scope, format, limitations, specific requirements, and due date for each project. Provide a rubric to assist the students in preparing their project. Arrange research time in a computer lab or media center.
   
   
3. Show a video clip on the American Revolution to stimulate interest.
   
   
4. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available resources.