The Declaration of Independence

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Declaration of Independence

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School U.S. History or Government, ideally 9th or 10th grade.

Subject: Social Studies

Time Allotment: Two class periods (approximately 1.5 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to explain the historical context of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Students will be able to identify the key principles and arguments presented in the document.
  • Students will be able to analyze the significance of the Declaration of Independence in the American Revolution.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the enduring impact of the Declaration on American ideals and government.

Materials:

  • Copies of the Declaration of Independence (annotated or with key passages highlighted)
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Worksheet with guiding questions or graphic organizer (optional)
  • Access to online resources or historical documents (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

Day 1: Setting the Stage

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce the Declaration of Independence and its role in the American Revolution.
  • Ask students some activating questions to spark their curiosity:

✵ What do you think a declaration of independence is?

✵ When might a group of people decide to declare independence from another nation?

  1. Historical Context (20 minutes):
  • Lecture or class discussion about the key events and grievances that led to the American Revolution (e.g., French and Indian War, Navigation Acts, Boston Tea Party).
  • Students can take notes on a graphic organizer or answer guiding questions to focus their learning.
  1. Key Players (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce some of the key figures involved in the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence (e.g., Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin).
  1. Document Analysis (20 minutes):
  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a copy of the Declaration of Independence (annotated or with key passages highlighted).
  • Task students with analyzing the document:

✵ Identify the main arguments for independence.

✵ What are the natural rights mentioned in the document?

✵ How does the document justify revolution against a government?

Day 2: Deeper Analysis and Lasting Impact

  1. Review (5 minutes):
  • Briefly review the key arguments and principles identified in the Declaration of Independence.
  1. Close Reading Activity (30 minutes):

✵ Select a specific passage from the Declaration that embodies a central theme (e.g., the opening paragraph on natural rights, the list of grievances against King George III).

✵ Guide students through a close reading activity where they identify:

  • Key vocabulary and their meaning in context.
  • Rhetorical devices used by Jefferson (e.g., parallelism, repetition).
  • The intended audience and persuasive techniques used.
  1. Significance and Impact (20 minutes):
  • Class discussion on the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence:

✵ How did it influence the course of the American Revolution?

✵ What impact did it have on other revolutions around the world?

  • Discuss the enduring impact of the Declaration on American ideals and government:

✵ How do the principles of the Declaration connect to the U.S. Constitution?

✵ How are the ideas of natural rights and limited government still relevant today?

  1. Extension Activity (15 minutes - optional):
  • Have students explore a specific right mentioned in the Declaration (e.g., life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

✵ Research how this right has been interpreted and debated throughout American history.

✵ Provide opportunities for students to share their findings and engage in respectful discussion.

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and group activities
  • Worksheet or graphic organizer completed during document analysis
  • Short reflection essay on the significance of the Declaration of Independence
  • Close reading analysis (if applicable)

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for document analysis by offering guiding questions or a graphic organizer with key prompts.
  • Allow students to choose a different passage for close reading based on their interest.
  • Offer alternative assessment options, such as creating a visual representation of a key concept or a public service announcement inspired by the Declaration.