Link to Standards Page

 

Introduction

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

 

Introduction

Prelude to the Revolution

The First Continental Congress has met at Philadelphia's Carpenters' Hall. Twelve of the thirteen colonies sent delegates to discuss how to return to a state of harmonious relations with England -- not revolution!  But radical thinking has won out. Parliamentary acts have been declared "unconstitutional." Taxes are not being paid, an import-export ban has been established, and Colonists are being urged to arm themselves.

The Revolution begins... 

• You are a news scout on the staff of The Times. Your editor has joined in the fight. He has requested all staff writers to take a Virtual Marching Tour of the American Revolutionary War.
• After gathering the facts your assignment is to design and publish a special Revolutionary Times edition to inform the colonists of the latest breaking news.

To accomplish the task of designing and publishing The Revolutionary Times
 

• Use the software program Inspiration to graphically design your newspaper
• Collaborate with your fellow scouts to choose Sections that interest you
• Work in teams
• Gather information by clicking on the links that follow each Section
• Visit the library to gather additional information from books and CD-ROM's
• Use your technology skills to publish your newspaper

 

Battle sites - Map included
 

• Battle of Lexington and Concord
• Battle of Saratoga
• Battle of Bunker Hill
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Battle of Germantown
• Battle of Yorktown

Section 2
News Article: Historical Event
Report on one of the following events:
 

• Stamp Act
• Townshend Duties
• Boston Tea Party
• Boston Massacre
• Intolerable Acts
• First Continental Congress
• Second Continental Congress
• Declaration of Independence
• Washington's Crossing
• Minute Men
• Whitemarsh Encampment
• Hope Lodge
• Encampment at Valley Forge
• Treaty of Paris

• Viewpoint of Loyalist - staunch supporter of the British government
• Viewpoint of Patriot - fought for America's freedom from British rule
• Viewpoint of Civilian - did not fight in war (women and children)



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Section 4
Interview
Interview one of the following people:

• George Washington
• Paul Revere
• Thomas Jefferson
• Benjamin Franklin Celebrate Ben Franklin's Birthday online January 17th
• Happy Birthday, Ben
• Thomas Paine
• John Hancock
• General Thomas Gage
• Patrick Henry
• Betsy Ross  
• Nathan Hale
• Sybil Ludington
• Molly Pitcher
• Deborah Sampson
• Benedict Arnold



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Section 5
Book Review
Read one of the following books about the Revolutionary War and write a book review including a summary and an opinion. These books are on reserve for you in the library.
 
• Early Thunder - Jean Fritz
• The Fifth of March - Ann Rinaldi
• Johnny Tremain - Esther Forbes
• My Brother Sam is Dead - James Lincoln Colier
• Sarah Bishop - Scott O'Dell
• The Secret Soldier - Ann McGovern
• Toliver's Secret - Ester Wood Brady
• War Comes to Willy Freeman - James Lincoln Colier
• The Winter Hero - James Lincoln Colier



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Section 6
Poetry / Speech Review
Write a review and / or interpretation of a poem or famous speech dealing with the Revolutionary War. Include a copy of the poem or speech.


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Section 7
Political Cartoon / Political Comic Strip
Choose one of the following:
• Create your own political cartoon relating to the Revolutionary War. Include a short written explanation.
• Create your own comic strip. It should be based on fact and include information relating to the war. 

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Section 8
Weapons / Uniforms
Choose one of the following:
• Describe two weapons used in the Revolutionary War. Include a picture or illustration of each.
• Describe the uniforms worn by the British and Continental Soldiers. Include a picture or illustration of each.
Evaluation



Your salary will be based upon the continental dollar value of each task that you choose to do as well as the quality of your work. A bonus will be awarded to any scout who earns over $250.00.
 
 
 

Task	Value	Accomplished	Exemplary	Salary
Section 1 News Article: Revolutionary War	$30	$5	$10
Section 2 News Article: Historical Event	$30	$5	$10
Section 3 Letters to the Editor	$20	$5	$10
Section 4 Interview	$20	$5	$10
Section 5 Book Review	$40	$5	$10
Section 6 Poetry/Speech Review	$20	$5	$10
Section 7 Political Cartoon/Political Comic Strip	$20	$5	$10
Section 8 Description:Weapons/Uniforms	$10	$5	$10

Conclusion


 

Let Freedom Ring

As a news scout during this period of our country's history you have learned that the American Revolution was the War for Independence. You learned of the heroes, the battles, victories and defeats, and the culture of the colonies. You read about all aspects of the war, and learned how the American colonists defeated the overwhelming odds of British tyranny. You experienced what life was like as a Minute Man. You also learned that the Philadelphia area was the backdrop for this fight for independence.

Following are some additional resources about The American Revolution and local historical sights that you may wish to visit.
 

• Web Links
• Revolutionary War Documents
• A Revolutionary Game
Questions or Comments? mdavis@wsd.k12.pa.us   Based on a template from The WebQuest Page