The American Revolution

Introduction

In this webquest, students will focus on the Declaration of Independence, and the course and outcome of the American Revolution.  The American War for Independence was the first time in the history of the world that a colony had successfully rebelled against its ruling country.  

The Declaration of Independence is the most complete statement of the basic ideals behind the creation of the United States.  Today, July 4 - the date that Congress adopted the Declaration - is celebrated as Independence Day, the birthday of a new nation.  

The American Revolution set an example for the overthrow of tyrannical governments, beginning with the demise of the French monarchy and continuing to our own day with the fight for free elections in South Africa and other countries.

Chapter 6 Essential Question - How did American Colonists gain their independence?

    Section 1 FQ - Why did many colonists favor independence?

     Section 2 FQ - How were the early years of the war a critical time?

    Section 3 FQ - How did the effects of the war widen?

    Section 4 FQ - How did the Americans win the war and make peace?

Task

You and your partner will be assigned a section from Chapter 6 - The American Revolution.  You will read the section, take notes, and present an Educreations or iMovie about your section.  

Process

Here are the steps to the webquest...

  1. Read your assigned section from Chapter 6.  www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
  2. Type outline format notes for your section in a Google Doc.  Your notes will be shared with the class.
  3. Create a presentation with Educreations or iMovie as a way of illustrating what happened in your section.  GET CREATIVE!
  4. Your notes, iMovie or Educreations will need to be submitted through Google Classroom.  www.classroom.google.com

Evaluation

1 2 3 4
Outline Format Notes missing or incomplete Notes are missing details or key information Notes are adequate Excellent notes following outlne format
Presentation / Content missing or incomplete Presentation lacks key details and imformation from the section Presentation is adequate but lacking some details or explanation Excellent presentation.  Fully explains or illustrates the section so all classmates understand.
Presentation / Creativity missing or incomplete Presentation is lacking creativity. Presentation is creative. Presentation is extremely creative and uses fun ways to captivate the audience and explain or illustrate all parts of the section.

Conclusion

After reading all of the sections, viewing students' notes, and watching each presentation you will be able to respond to the objectives from this chapter.

Section 1 - A Nation Declares Independence

  • Find out how Thomas Paine stirred support for independence.
  • Understand the meaning and structure of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Learn how Congress finally agreed to separate from England.

Section 2 - A Critical Time

  • Discover the results of fighting in the Middle States.
  • Understand why the Battle of Saratoga was a turing point in the American Revolution.
  • Learn how foreign nations and volunteers helped the Americans.

Section 3 - The War Widens

  • Discover the role that African Americans played in the American Revolution.
  • Find out how the war affected the women and other civilians.
  • Learn about the progressw of the fighting on the western frontier and at sea.

Section 4 - Winning Independence

  • Find out how the American won the final battle of the Revolution
  • Learn the terms of the peace treaty with England.
  • Explore the reasons that the Americans were victorious.
  • Examine the effects of the American Revolution.

Credits

Your fabulous teacher, Mrs. Edde!!

Teacher Page

If you have any questions, email me at kedde@charlotteprep.org