Lesson plan: 2
Unit Name: Road to the Declaration of Independence
John and Abigail Adams' Contributions
School District: Tyngsborough, MA
Date: September 1, 2009
Class and Grade: Social Studies/Grade 5
State framework standard:
5.16 Explain the meaning of the key ideas on equality, natural rights, the rule of law, and the purpose of government contained in the Declaration of Independence.
5.17 Describe the major battles of the Revolution and explain the factors leading to American victory and British defeat.
5.18 Describe the life and achievements of important leaders during the Revolution and the early years of the United States.
5.19 Identify the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including its date, its primary author and the basic rights it gives to citizens of the Commonwealth.
Historical thinking standard:
1. Chronological Thinking
2. Historical Comprehension
3. Historical Analysis and Interpretations
5. Historical Issues-Analysis and Decision-Making
Leadership: John Adams
Inclusion of a primary source: pictures of John Adams
(prompt students to pay special attention to his hair- “big wigs”)
Enduring understanding: The roles and contribution of John Adams in his efforts to make this a just and free nation.
Essential Questions: Who was John Adams?
background information
roles
view points/opinions
contributions
Development and selection of activities and resources:
Student will read various books and narratives about John Adams and write summaries being sure to include information from the lesson's essential question. Students will share their summaries with a group to synthesize information and assure they have the required information.
Books: Revolutionary John Adams
John Adams: Second President 1797-1801
John Adams: Profiles in American History
John Adams: President Leader
The Portable John Adams
John Adams Speaks for Freedom
John Adams: Independence Fever
Read:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the fundamental governing document of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the 50 individual state governments that make up the United States of America. It was drafted by John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin during the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention between September 1 and October 30, 1779. Following approval by town meetings, the Constitution was ratified on June 15, 1780, became effective on October 25, 1780, and remains the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world.
(reading selections vary in difficulty to accommodate different levels of readers)
Student will debate Adams' involvement in the Boston Massacre trials.
Student will be given quotes from John Adams to interpret and analyze.
“The Revolution was affected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people...”
“Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.”
"The balance of power in a society accompanies the balance of property in land."
"My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived." (Upon being elected as the first Vice President)
"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."
"Every man in [Congress] is a great man, an orator, a critic, a statesman; and therefore every man upon every question must show his oratory, his criticism, and his political abilities."
"Modesty is a virtue that can never thrive in public."
“The government turns every contingency into an excuse for enhancing power in itself. “
Student will use the debate and interpretations as evidence to generate lists of John Adams' roles, views, opinions, and characteristics.
Content:
Biographies of John Adams
Quotes from John Adams
Assignment:
Based on notes and discussions with the students I will be able to check their level of understanding.