How well do you know the Declaration of Independence?
In this program, students will learn about the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its three parts.
During the program students will work together to build the different parts of the Declaration of Independence and put together the most iconic break-up letter of all time.
- To set the stage for the lesson, the presenter will read a fake “break-up” letter that they found connects to the Declaration of Independence.
- Students will discuss how the American colonies were feeling leading up the American Revolution and they will get a brief overview of the Declaration of Independence and its parts.
- In groups, students will put together the Declaration of Independence.
- Extension activities for this program include writing your own declaration, creating a postage stamp, and writing a diary entry.
- 4th grade—SS4CG1 Describe the meaning of: a. Natural rights as found in the Declaration of Independence (the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)
- 8th grade—SS8H3 Analyze the role of Georgia in the American Revolutionary Era. b. Interpret the three parts of the Declaration of Independence (preamble, grievances, and declaration) and identify the three Georgia signers of the document.
- US History—SSUSH4 Analyze the ideological, military, social, and diplomatic aspects of the American Revolution. a. Investigate the intellectual sources, organization, and argument of the Declaration of Independence including the role of Thomas Jefferson and the Committee of Five.
120 students maximum per presentation
45 minutes or 1 class period
Presentations are available to non-Title I schools for $100, and Title I schools for $50. The mileage cost is determined by the roundtrip mileage from Atlanta History Center to your location at $0.54 a mile. Presentations are ONLY available within a 100-mile roundtrip from Atlanta History Center.