Animated Lessons
American Revolution
Related Topics and Subtopics:
Valley Forge and George Washington - The story of Valley Forge can be understood only once you have met and recognized George Washington's extraordinary leadership abilities. (M, O, T)
1756-1776: The Seven Years War to the American Revolution - From the Tax History Museum (Y, M, O)
Revolutionary War - From ProTeacher Web Directory (Y, M)
Paul Revere - (Y, M, O, T)
Voices of the American Revolution - "In the years preceding the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, many American colonists expressed opposition to Great Britain's policies toward the colonies, but few thought seriously about establishing an independent nation until late in the imperial crisis. Throughout the years of controversy beginning in the 1760s, Americans expressed a variety of opinions about the legitimacy of open acts of resistance and rebellion, which intensified as armed resistance began in April 1775. On both sides of the issue, perspectives and motivations were diverse... In this lesson, students are taught how to make informed analyses of primary documents illustrating the diversity of religious, political, social, and economic motives behind competing perspectives on questions of independence and rebellion. Making use of a variety of primary texts, the activities below help students to "hear" some of the colonial voices that, in the course of time and under the pressure of novel ideas and events, contributed to the American Revolution." (O, T)
Join the Revolutions - A dozen activities for studying the American Revolution (Y, M, T)
The American War for Independence - A detailed curriculum unit by EDSITEment (National Endowment for the Humanities) (M, O, T)
Williamsburg Special Events for Homeschoolers - During the year, Colonial Williamsburg designates several weeks as Homeschooler Experiences. In addition to the variety of activities and programming throughout the Historic Area, special programs are scheduled for homeschool participants including a variety of hands-on opportunities. Special rates are available during this period for homeschoolers. Groups or individuals are welcome. Sample itineraries are available, and electronic field trips are available on the website. (T)
Appleseed Project - The Appleseed Project is a one of a kind, national program, that teaches traditional rifle marksmanship skills as well as sharing history of the people and events that surround April 19th, 1775, the day the shot was heard around the world in Lexington and Concord. Our rifle marksmanship course teaches the fundamentals of accurate rifle marksmanship, passing on the skills that have been traditionally passed on from generation to generation. During the two day clinic, participants are introduced to the people and events that surround the birth of our nation, the events of April 19th, 1775, in Lexington and Concord. We share with participants, not only the basic facts of this fateful day, but also the details of many forgotten, common man heroes of that day. We do this to honor those that made great sacrifice for our Freedoms and to help today's Americans understand their Heritage. (M, O, T)
Revolutionary War Sites - From Online Student Resources (Y, M, O, T)
Revolutionary Money - Money Cut outs from each of the 13 colonies. From Smithsonian Education (Y, M, O, T)
Declaring Independence:Drafting the Documents - This special exhibition is the second in a series of public previews of unique documents from the collections of the Library of Congress. These previews will culminate in the permanent exhibition, "Treasures of the Library of Congress," funded by the Xerox Foundation, which will open in 1997, the 100th anniversary of the Thomas Jefferson Building. (Y, M, O, T)
The Declaration of Independence - (Y)
The Hatmaker's Sign - Internet Connection Activity - Grade 4. Traditional Crafts, Declaration of Independence and Women in U.S. History. (y)
Revolutionary War Internet Scavenger Hunt - 4-8th grade (M)
The Loyalist Meets the Patriot - Middle and high school students of the American Revolution are much more likely to learn about the attitudes of the Patriots than those of the Loyalists. This activity asks students to write dialogues between Loyalists and Patriots in which both characters express their points of view. In the process, students will learn about the Loyalists' concerns and desires and will consider their own opinions on the Loyalist arguments. Grades 8-12 (O)
The Battle of the Battlefields - The President of the United States has decided that the American people (and also visitors from other countries) should have the opportunity to learn more about the major battles of the War for Independence. He has authorized an award of $1,000,000 for the construction of a new museum at the site of the most important battle fought during the war. The main difficulty, the President has discovered, is determining which battle site should get the money. To make the right decision, the President needs your help! Grade 5. (M)
The Revolutionary War and Children's Literature - Grades 3-8 (Y,M)
American Revolution Simulation - In order for students to understand why the American colonies declared their independence, the students should be able to relate to that which is held most dearly i.e. life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Grades 6-8 (M)
The American Revolution lesson plan - Lessons, Activities and on line Quizzez (M)
The American Revolution: Valley Forge - On-line lesson from Social Studies School Service. (M)
Birth of A Nation. - People, places, events and timelines. From ThinkQuest Junior. (Y,M)
The Timeline of the Revolution - Valley Oak Elementary's Room 9 Presents (Y)
The Revolutionary War: A Journey Towards Freedom! - Designed to be an online reference tool and a forum for discussion on American History around the time of the Revolution (1763-1810). This area is for students, teachers, and anyone with an interest in history. Visit the Fun Zone and play one of our games, or go to the forum and start or join a discussion! If you're a teacher, you may find the Teacher's Corner helpful. (M)
Liberty: The American Revolution - From PBS. Lessons and Teacher resource guides available. (M,O,T)
Virtual Marching Tour of the Revolutionary War - From ushistory.org (M,O)
America's Freedom Documents - Here are the "Freedom Documents" from Early America — the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Documents on view here at Archiving Early America, they are shown as they first appeared to the public at that time, along with the full text of each document. (Y, M, O, T)
A Revolution Webquest - Experience the American Revolution (Y,M)
George Washington Resources - "This Teacher Resource Guide is designed for incorporation into history and social studies curricula. It will introduce your students to some of the events and issues that shaped George Washington's life. The activities should enhance your students’ knowledge of Washington and expand their horizons about this complex and interesting man. (T,A)
Teacher Views: The Hatmaker's Sign - Literature Unit study by Katy Smith, Pratt Elementary School. Pratt, WV. Grade 3 (Y)
Molly Pitcher - Learn how Molly got her name. (Y,M)
Molly Pitcher - Social Studies for Kids (Y,M)
The Declaration of Independence - From the National Archives (where the Declaration is housed), this website includes images of the original Declaration and its history as well as links to other important national documents that are housed at the Archives. (Y, M, O, T)
The Road to Revolution - "Test your knowledge about the American Revolution, and see if you can navigate your way to independence. Every correct answer gets you closer to liberty!" From PBS. (Y, M, O, T)
A Revolutionary WebQuest - "It is the right of the People...to institute new Government..." reads the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution is the War for Independence. Learn of the heroes, the battles, victories and defeats, and the culture of the colonies. Read about all aspects of the war, and learn how the American colonists defeated the overwhelming odds of British tyranny. Interact while you experience what life was like as a minuteman. (M)
History Place: American Revolution - Explorations and Early Colonial Era, The English Colonial Era, Prelude to the American Revolution, The American War for Independence and other U.S. History Topics (Y, M, O, T)
American Revolution - From the Educator's Reference Desk designed to help students to understand the causes of the American Revolutionary War. (O)
The American Revolution - A Lesson Plans Page Social Studies Lesson Plan, Thematic Unit, Activity, Worksheet, or Teaching Idea in Civics, American History, or Government for grade 5. (M)
Happy Fourth of July (Independence Day) - Homeschool curriculum ideas for understanding freedom and independence, The promise of the Declaration of Independence, people of the American Revolution, the places of the American Revolution, and the United States Constitution. (Y, M, O, T)
American Revolution Language Arts Lesson - Using Thomas Paine's book Common Sense, students will study the technique of argumentation and persuasion in light of revolutionary events. You can find an online copy of Common Sense here. (M,O)
Causes of the American Revolution - Also from Discovery School, this lesson plan integrates several subjects. My favorite is the examination of the 18th century poem (originally a song) Revolutionary Tea. Students will be exposed to language arts, English culture, and drama. (Y,M)
Can't You Make Them Behave, King George - Letter from King George (Grade 5) (Y)
Digital History - Children in History - "Young people were involved in all the crucial episodes of American history: They sailed with Columbus; served as go-betweens for English colonists and Indians; toiled as indentured servants; were kidnapped into slavery; fought in the Revolution and the Civil War; labored in coal mines and factories; and stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement. Many young people recorded their experiences in diaries, personal letters, and memoirs." (Y, M, O, T)
Unit IV: What Was the American Revolution? 1760-1836 - Crossroads: High School Curriculum (O)