Lesson+Plan

Revolutionary War Lesson

Affective: Students will be in groups, working together to complete an outline on the chapter. Students will be able to form their own opinions of a specific issue/current event which they feel strongly about. Cognitive: The students will be able to decide whether they would be for or against the war and give reasons why Students will be able to describe what it is like to be a rebel soldier during the revolutionary war. Gain an understanding of the relationships between soldiers, the loyalties they had for one another, and the reasons they joined rebel militias.
 * Objectives: **

Social Studies Skills: Students will practice video analysis skills and answer a question sheet based on the video. The video will set up an understanding of the geography and the terrain the soldiers were fighting on. __ Prior Knowledge __ The students will be given a pre-test prior to the video to assess their knowledge of the revolutionary war. The students will then switch test papers and I will go over the answers with the class as a whole. I will then ask the class, given a choice to fight for the rebels in the revolutionary war or not what would you do?
 * Procedure: **
 * Set: **

__ Purpose/Relevance __ The students will be able to gauge what they already know about the American Revolution from the pre-test. The pre-test will also show them what they are going to be learning from this unit. The students will have to think about whether or not they would fight for the rebel militia. This question could also come back as the students finish high school and they are faced with real life choices such as joining the military or even fighting for a political cause or issue they are passionate about.

__ Motivation __ It is important to study the issues people faced during the revolution because there are many issues, causes, and wars going on today. Asking the class if they would join the militia or not will probe them to also think about current events and wars and how they feel about these topics. As adults in America the students will be faced with choices about war, politics, and a variety of controversial issues and whether or not they are going to take a side or take action.

While watching the video students are also assigned a worksheet to complete. The work sheet will probe students with questions about the video. This will also enable students to follow the video diligently. The worksheet will consist of the following. What does the commander do to the militia man who deserts? What is the moral dilemma the main character is faced with? What reason does the black freed slave give for joining the militia? What happens to the main character in at the end of the movie?
 * Teaching the Content: **

__ Guided Practice __ After the video, students will read the textbook chapter on the revolution. While reading they will be making a MINDMAP of the chapter. When everyone is finished, the class will then go over the mindmaps to make sure theirs include all the key elements.
 * Practicing the Content: **

__ Independent Practice __ Now, the students will be asked to imagine they are a colonist during the American Revolution. Write a 1 -2 page essay for homework on whether they would join the rebel militia or not. Give specific reasons for their choice.

Have the students think about an issue or debate that they feel strongly about. Have them explain what side they agree with and give one reason why they feel this way. Examples: Should the voting age be changed? Should the drinking age be lowered? Should the BCS be changed to a playoff?
 * Closure: **

Have the students recall the freed slave. He fights for the cause of freedom, liberty, and equality like the other men. Do you think the Founding Father’s considered slaves when they wrote “all men are created equal”? Why or why not?
 * What-if Activity: **