A Nation Is Born

Social Studies American History American Revolution A Nation Is Born
Students share how they celebrate the Fourth of July. Then they learn about the Treaty of Paris and focus on a map showing the outcome of the Revolution. Next they are introduced to a group of Founding Fathers and write a short report about one of them. Finally, they reflect on what tasks faced the new nation.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for A Nation Is Born:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students explore ways people celebrate the Fourth of July. Then they learn about the Treaty of Paris and examine a map showing the outcome of the American Revolution. Next, they learn about several Founders and write a short report about one of them. Finally, they learn about the challenges the new nation faced as it began to create its government.

For the report in Scene 3, you can use the opportunity to teach students how to search effectively for information online or in the school library. There is a short article about several Founders in the Student Pack to help them get started.

Estimated duration: 40–60 minutes or several days, depending how much time you want to give students to research their reports

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

  • Treaty of Paris: the 1783 agreement that officially ended the American Revolution and recognized the United States as an independent nation.
  • independent nation: a country that governs itself and is free from control by another country.
  • Founders: important leaders who helped create the United States by fighting in the Revolution, writing key documents, leading the government, or working with other countries.
  • negotiate: to talk with others to reach an agreement, such as when American leaders worked out the Treaty of Paris with Britain.
  • Articles of Confederation: the first plan of government for the United States that gave most power to the states and created a weak national government.
  • Constitution: the new plan of government written in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger national government.

Objectives

  • Explain the outcome of the American Revolution.
  • Identify key political figures of the American Revolution.


Engage


The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The American Revolution continued for several more years. Major fighting largely ended after the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, and the Treaty of Paris officially ended the war in 1783. In this lesson, you will learn about the outcome of the American Revolution.

Objectives

  • Explain the outcome of the American Revolution.
  • Identify key political figures of the American Revolution.


a poster showing fireworks and a U.S. flag, with the text “4th of July, Independence Day”

How do people celebrate the Fourth of July? Draw or upload a picture showing a Fourth of July tradition or activity you have experienced, seen, or learned about.


Give students a few minutes to complete and discuss the activity. Remind them that the Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and celebrates the founding of the United States as an independent country.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in American Revolution Unit.
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American Revolution: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History American Revolution: Unit Test
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A Nation Is Born
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American Revolution Battles
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