Name: ______

8th Grade Target/AC Social Studies American Revolution Project
Choose one of the following options for your final project on the American Revolution. Projects are due and will be presented in class on ______
1. PARADOXES: In the Declaration of Independence it states that "all men are created equal," but many of the signatories were, themselves, slave owners. Explain in an essay (no more than 3 pages double spaced, 12 font) how someone who is revered as a hero to our country could display such an apparent contradiction. Select one such individual and either defend or discredit his decision to have slaves keeping in mind the prevailing standards/culture at the time. Present paper in PowerPoint format.
2. ANALOGIES: Whenever an important event occurs today, for example the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, there are always news and TV reporters there to get the interview. Research such an important event. Study both the reporters and their subjects to get a feel for the genre. Now, transport yourself back to Boston right after the Boston Massacre has taken place; the announcement has just been made regarding the death of the colonists. You are the reporter and it's your job to get those all-important interviews. Your job and the TV ratings depend on it. Write a series of no less than ten questions that would elicit interesting responses from the interviewees. Then write the text of the interviews and provide a transcript of the interview. You will either act the interview out in class or create a video. Interview some of the prominent citizens of Boston. Be sure to represent both sides of the issue.
3. DISCREPANCIES: In any major event, such as the American Revolution, there are always individuals who figure prominently and then seem to fade into obscurity. One such character is Benedict Arnold. Almost anyone could tell you that he was a traitor. But what motivated him? Did he do it for money, love, or adventure? Perhaps he truly believed in what he was doing. What happened to Benedict Arnold? A radio commentator named Paul Harvey is famous for getting "the rest of the story." Research Benedict Arnold or some other prominent character from the Revolution who's life afterward is little known. Now create a 2 to 3 minute radio program that gives the rest of the story. You may act out the radio program in class or create a video. You must provide a written transcript (typed) of the radio program.
4. PROVOCATIVE QUESTIONS: War is traditionally a man's endeavor. The man faced the danger, got the press, the mention in the history text, and the glory. But the reality is that someone had to stay home and keep things going; the farm, the business, the family. Most often it was the wives and mothers who took on this role. What were the hardships they faced? At the same time that they were maintaining the home front they had to write letters to their men to keep them informed and sustain their morale. How did they meet the challenges that were thrust upon them, often with little prior training? Imagine you are such a woman; your husband has gone to fight the Revolution. You don't know if or when he will return. You must keep up the farm and raise your two small children. Create a digital diary for this woman with nine different entries covering the span of 3 months. Explore your fears for your family's safety as well as that of your husband. Include at least one letter that you have written to him while he was away.
5. TOLERANCE FOR AMBIGUITY: The benefits to colonial Americans of winning the Revolutionary War are obvious, while most would agree that Britain suffered as the losers. Could there have been benefits for the British and / or drawbacks for the Americans? Create a comic strip or other visual presentation that outlines some of the possibilities. Include at least ten different “scenes” to include in your comic strip.
6. EVALUATE SITUATION: Imagine that you are chief surgeon in a field hospital at Valley Forge. It is your job, not only to treat the wounded, but also to make reports to the Commander-in-chief on the current situation as well as recommendations for ways to improve the operation of the hospital. Create an excerpt from your daily log following a horrendous battle, next you will write a letter to General Washington with your recommendations. Your letter must be no longer than 3 pages double spaced. Present daily log & letter in PowerPoint format.