The Declaration of Independence

Social Studies American History American Revolution The Declaration of Independence
Students brainstorm freedoms that they enjoy. Then they examine the structure of the Declaration of Independence. Next they focus on the preamble to determine the purpose of the document and the famous sentence “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” Finally, they have a small group discussion about the importance of the Declaration of Independence.

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 The Declaration of Independence:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm freedoms that they enjoy. Then they examine the structure of the Declaration of Independence. Next, they focus on the preamble to determine the purpose of the document and the famous sentence “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” Finally, they have a small group discussion about the importance of the Declaration of Independence.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 4.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

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.

  • Declaration of Independence: the document in which the American colonies announced that they were separating from Great Britain and explained why.
  • preamble: the introduction to the Declaration of Independence that explains the purpose of the document.
  • independence: freedom from control by another country or group.
  • grievances: complaints about unfair treatment; in the Declaration, these are the colonists’ complaints against King George and Great Britain.
  • unalienable rights: rights that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  • equal: having the same worth and deserving the same rights as other people.
 

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose of the Declaration of Independence
  • Analyze the importance of the Declaration of Independence


Engage


The Declaration of Independence was a revolutionary document with powerful ideas about government and people's rights. It announced that the colonies were separating from Great Britain and explained why they believed they had the right to become independent. In this experience, you will learn about the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and why the document was important.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose of the Declaration of Independence
  • Analyze the importance of the Declaration of Independence


photo of a girl looking at birds flying in the sky; she is making wing shapes with her uplifted arms

There is a figure of speech in English: “free as a bird”


In a word or short phrase, name a freedom that you enjoy.

Post your answer

Students may answer at a personal level (freedom to choose my bedtime, freedom to budget my allowance) or at a more general level (freedom of speech, freedom to get an education, freedom to travel). Discuss student responses with the class.


Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in American Revolution Unit.
Social Studies American History American Revolution Hero of the Revolution: Benjamin Franklin
Hero of the Revolution: Benjamin Franklin
Social Studies American History American Revolution Conflict Between Colonists and the British
Conflict Between Colonists and the British
Social Studies American History American Revolution Declaring Independence from Britain
Declaring Independence from Britain
Social Studies American History American Revolution Women of the Revolution
Women of the Revolution
Social Studies American History American Revolution Hero of the Revolution: George Washington
Hero of the Revolution: George Washington
Social Studies American History American Revolution The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence
Social Studies American History American Revolution American Revolution: Vocabulary
American Revolution: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History American Revolution: Unit Test
American Revolution: Unit Test
Social Studies American History American Revolution The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party
Social Studies American History American Revolution A Nation Is Born
A Nation Is Born
Social Studies American History American Revolution American Revolution Battles
American Revolution Battles
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning American History course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top