The Father of Our Country

Taune L. Smith

Introduction

Standards

Objectives

Activities

Assessment

Results

Resources

Introduction
In this lesson students will focus on the father of our country, George Washington and the impact of the  Revolutionary War.                 

Students:
Subject:  Social Studies
Topic:  American Revolution
Grade Level: 5th
Student Lesson name and URL: http://ctap295.ctaponline.org/~tsmith/student/

 

Standards Addressed
Fifth Grade
Social Studies:  Focus on George Washington and the Revolutionary War.
4.0Describe the views, lives, and impact of key individuals during the Revolutionary Era. (e.g. George Washington)  
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Student Activities
Students will:
1.Compare a basketball game with the Revolution.
2.Research George Washington and the Revolutionary War on specific websites focusing on their causes, goals, and achievements
3.Write ten facts on George Washington and ten facts on the Revolutionary War.
4.Chart advantages and disadvantages the British and the Americans had at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.                                                              Back to Top       

Introductory Activity
This activity helps explain how the colonists defeated Britain in the Revolutionary War. Illustrate a  basketball game.  Instruct the students that all of the players on one team are older and taller than the players on the other team.  Ask students to brainstorm which team they would predict would win the game.
The team with the taller and older players would probably be the favorite.
Then point out that the younger team has advantages as well.  Though smaller, the players are quicker and better shooters than the players on the other team.  Discuss how these advantages might balance those of the other team.  Predicting the outcome of an event is difficult when each side has different strengths.

Enabling Activity
1.Students, in groups of two or three, will do independent web searches on George Washington and the Revolutionary War:
2.Students will focus on the wars causes, its goals, and its achievements.
3.Students will plot a timeline from 1774 - 1783

Culminating Activity
1.Students will make a chart of the advantages and disadvantages the British and the American troops each had at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
2.Students will write an essay on why George Washington was a hero.  They will compare him to modern day heroes and determine any similarities  between the two.
3.Students will orally report on their findings.

Assessment

Results
After implementing your lesson (sometime between January & March), insert a chart of your pre-test, post-test, and culminating assessment data.
 

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Web Resources & Supplementary Materials

Introductory Activity
George Washington and Revolutionary War already made unit lesson plans. www.pro-teacher.com/090019.shtml - 19k -

Enabling Activity
George Washington's involvement in the American Revolution and his presidency.
http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/gwash.html  

Culminating Activity
A timeline of George Washington's activities between 
1774 - 1783
www.encyclopedia.com/articles/13654.html - 29k
http://www.unitedstates-on-line.com/wash1.html

San Pasqual Valley Unified School District
Winterhaven, California
Taune L. Smith - tandtsmith 0808@cs.com
Last Revised:07/28/00 02:56:54 PM