A Model Local Core Curriculum
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Oakland Schools Curriculum
Unit Plan
Social Studies
Fifth Grade
Early American History
Unit 5: Road to Revolution
Abstract
In this unit students explore significant events and ideas that led the colonists to unite in the cause for independence. They trace the dispute between the colonies and the British government focusing on the period from the French and Indian War in 1754 to 1775 with the battles at Lexington and Concord. Throughout the unit students examine the British Parliament’s attempts to tighten control over its North American colonies from the early Navigation Acts and the Proclamation of 1763 to the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, the Townsend Acts, and Intolerable Acts. They explore how colonists responded to increasing control by Britain and analyze conflicting accounts of a variety of events such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Students study and analyze the arguments of several colonial patriots who either supported or opposed rebellion, and decide which position is more persuasive. They read biographies of significant colonial leaders, compare their contributions during the pre-revolutionary war era, and assess the leaders’ abilities to create a unifying voice. Students explore how colonial experiences in self-government and the political ideas of liberty (unalienable rights), representative government, and consent of the governed (social compact) united the colonists in different colonial regions. They then use a chronology to analyze the causes and effects of various events leading to the Revolutionary War and assess their significance.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1.How did economic factors and political ideas influence the
relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
- Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
- How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources
Students will:
- recount the lives of colonial leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Benjamin Franklin and explain how these individuals demonstrated civic virtue (I.2.LE.3, I.2.LE.4).
- explain the reasons why the colonists wanted to limit the power of the British government (III.1.LE.3). GLCE.
- place major events in the early history of the United States between 1754 and 1775 in chronological order (I.1.LE.3). GLCE.
- compose a short persuasive essay expressing a position on a public policy issue from the Revolutionary War era (VI.3.LE.1). GLCE.
- Create a cube that recounts the life of a colonial leader and explains how he/she demonstrated civic virtue (I.2.LE.3, I.2.LE.4).
- Construct a cause/effect timeline that describes and places six major events from 1754 to 1775 in chronological order and identifies examples of authority and the use of power without authority (I.1.LE.3, III.1.LE.2).
- Compose an essay explaining the reasons why the colonists wanted to limit the power of the British government and describing the role that political ideas and colonial experiences with self-government played in unifying the different colonial regions (III.1.LE.3, III.2.LE.1).
cause/effect
civic virtue
conflict
liberty
repre-sentative government
self-government
trade / Arts
When students construct a cube recounting the life of a colonial leader, they use spatial and visual art skills to convey meaning.
English Language Arts
When composing an essay comparing colonial leaders, students can employ a compare and contrast organizational pattern.
When composing a persuasive essay about whether rebellion against Britain was justified, students can use a theory and evidence organizational pattern. /
Student Resource
Abigail Adams. Early American Primary Sources Kit. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, 2005.American Revolution. KidInfo Web site. 14 June 2006 <
American Revolution.org. 15 June 2006 <
The American Revolution - Biographies. Americans.net. 15 June 2006 <
The American Revolution – Important People. Theamericanrevolution.org. 15 June 2006 <
Authority: Foundations of Democracy. Calabasas, CA: Center for Civic Education, 1997. 5-11.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the
relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
- Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
- How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources
- describe the political ideas and colonial experiences that united the colonists from the different colonial regions (III.2.LE.1). GLCE.
- interpret conflicting accounts of events in early United States history and analyze the viewpoints of the authors (I.3.LE.2). GLCE.
- give examples of authority and the use of power without authority (III.1.LE.2). GLCE.
- explain various ways that nations interacted during the pre-Revolutionary War era (III.5.LE.1). GLCE.
- Compose a persuasive essay expressing a position on whether the colonists were justified in rebelling against Britain and support the position using core democratic values (VI.3.LE.1).
- Draw a diagram describing the different ways in which Britain, France, and the colonies interacted during the pre-Revolutionary War era (III.5.LE.1).
- After reading conflicting accounts of an event between 1754 and 1775, describe the event in writing and explain the different viewpoints of the authors (I.3.LE.2).
Beauchemin, Timothy. Pro vs. Con: Conflicting Views of Important Issues in American History. Leesburg, VA: Education Innovations, Inc., 1999. 5-8.
Ben Franklin. 2002. ThinkQuest. 15 June 2006
Benjamin Franklin. 2002. Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. 15 June 2006 <
Berson, Michael J. Horizons: United States History: Beginnings. Orlando, FL: Harcourt School Publishers, 2005.
Biography of George Washington. The White House. 15 June 2006 <
(page 4 of 19)
Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the
relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesBiography of Thomas Jefferson. The White House. 15 June 2006 <
Burgan, Michael. John Adams. Philadelphia, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 2000.
A Day in the Life of Jefferson. 2004. Monticello: The Home of Thomas Jefferson. 15 June 2006 <
The Electric Ben Franklin. Independence Hall Association and USHistory.org. 15 June 2006 <
Ferry, Joseph. Thomas Jefferson. Stockton, NJ: Mason Crest Publishers, 2003.
(page 5 of 19)
Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1.How did economic factors and political ideas influence the
relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesFlemming, Thomas. Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration. July 1996 – Boy’s Life. Sirs Discoverer on the Web. 19 June 2006 <
Fort Necessity National Battlefield. 19 June 2006 <
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. Let It Begin Here! Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution. New York: Walker Books for Young Readers, 2005.
Fritz, Jean. What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1976.
- - -. Why Don’t You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Gard, Carolyn. “John Peter Zenger and the Defense of the Press.” Cobblestone. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Press, Jan. 1999. 5-8.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesHakim, Joy. A History of the U.S.: From Colonies to Country. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
- - -. A History of the U.S.: Making Thirteen Colonies. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
High Tea in Boston Harbor. 2004. Liberty! Chronicle of the American Revolution by Twin Cities Public Television – PBS. 15 June 2006 <
History Makers of the American Revolution. History Central. 19 June 2006 <
Intolerable Acts and The First Continental Congress. 1999. The American Revolution – University of San Francisco. 19 June 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“John Adams.” The American President. PBS. 19 June 2006
“John Adams.” POTUS – Presidents of the United States. 12 Oct. 2005. The Internet Public Library by The Regents of the University of Michigan. 19 June 2006
John Adams. The White House. 19 June 2006 <
Jones, Veda Boyd. Samuel Adams: Patriot. Philadelphia, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 2001.
Kallen, Stuart A. John Adams. Edina, MN: ABDO Publishing Co., 2002.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesKreamer, Todd Alan. Sons of Liberty: Patriots or Terrorists? 2002. Archiving Early America. 19 June 2006 <
Krensky, Stephen. The Printer’s Apprentice. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1995.
Loyalty or Liberty: An Online Adventure. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. 19 June 2006
“The Navigation Acts.” History of the USA. Founding Fathers Info Web site. 19 June 2006
Patrick Henry. USHistory.org. 2003. Independence Hall Association. 19 June 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesPhillis Wheatley. Early American Primary Sources Kit.. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, 2005.
“The Plain Truth about the so-called Boston ‘Massacre’ and ‘Tea Party.’” The Loyalist Pages. American Revolution.org. 31 July 2006
Prelude to Revolution, 1763-1775. 1998. The History Place. 31 July 2006 <
The Quartering Act of 1765. USHistory.org and the Independence Hall Association. 31 July 2006 <
Quigley, Charles N., and Ken Rodriguez. We the People. Calabasas, CA: Center for Civic Education, 2003. 21-24.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesThe Royal Proclamation of October 7, 1763. 15 Jan. 1996. Bloorstreet.com Web Services. 31 July 2006 <
Samuel Adams: American Patriot and Politician. Lucid Interactive. 31 July 2006 <
Santella, Andrew. John Adams. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2002.
Segal, Naomi. Thomas Jefferson: He Shaped His Times. Junior Scholastic. 2 April 1993. Available at Sirs Discoverer on the Web.
St. George, Judith. John and Abigail Adams: An American Love Story. New York: Holiday House, 2001.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“The Stamp Act Riot & Tar and Feathering.”Liberty! Chronicle of the Revolution. PBS. 31 July 2006 <
Sugar Act: April 5, 1764. 2000. MultiEducator, Inc. 31 July 2006 <
Timeline: America During the Age of Revolution, 1764-1775. Library of Congress. 31 July 2006 <
Traitors, Seamstresses, and Generals: Voices of the American Revolution. 2003. ThinkQuest USA. 31 July 2006 <
Turner, Ann. Katie’s Trunk. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1997.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1.How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
- How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources
Westerman, Karen. John Peter Zenger: Free Press Advocate. Philadelphia, PA: Chelsea House Publishing Co., 2001.
Teacher Resource
After the Treaty of Paris Map, 1763. National Park Services. 31 July 2006 <Authority: Foundations of Democracy. Calabasas, CA: Center for Civic Education, 1997. 5-11.
Benjamin Franklin Image Credits. 2002. Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. 31 July 2006 <
“A Biography of Richard Henry Lee.”5 May 2003. From Revolution to Reconstruction. 31 July 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“British reluctantly yield.” 25 Nov. 2004. From Revolution to Reconstruction. 31 July 2006 <
Causes of the American Revolution. Discovery Education. 31 July 2006 <
Chief Pontiac’s Siege of Detroit. Detroit News Web site. 31 July 2006 <
CIVITAS: Executive Summary. Center for Civic Education. 31 July 2006 <
Colonial Government and the Crown. Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. 31 July 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“Colonization.” The US. Economy: A Brief History. United States Department of State. 31 July 2006 <
Constitution of Virginia. Bill of Rights. The Avalon Project at Yale Law School. 31 July 2006 <
Eyewitness Accounts of the “Boston Massacre.” Historywiz.com. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Favorite Jefferson Quotes. 21 December 1995. University of Virginia. 12 Sept. 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“Foreign Rule breaks down.” An Outline of American History. From Revolution to Reconstruction. 12 Sept. 2006
The French and Indian War of the 1750s. 12 Sept. 2006 <
George Washington’s Journal. Archiving Early America. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Glorious News. The American Revolution, 1763-1783. 18 July 2003. Library of Congress. 12 Sept. 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1.How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional Resources“Historical Perspective of the American Economy: Colonial Economy.” An Outline of the American Economy. 6 March 2003. From Revolution to Reconstruction. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Join or Die Cartoon. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Linder, Douglas. The Trial of John Peter Zenger: An Account. Famous American Trials. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Lockwood, Alan, and David Harris. “Defending the Redcoats.” Reasoning with Democratic Values, Vol. 1. New York: Teachers College Press, 1985. 33-43.
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1. How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?
2. Why were the colonists unhappy with British rule?
3. How did colonial leaders demonstrate civic virtue?
Benchmarks / Assessment Tasks / Key Concepts / Connections / Instructional ResourcesMagna Carta. National Archives and Records Administration. 12 Sept. 2006 <
Map of Boston Area. PBS Online. 12 Sept. 2006 <
McCullough, David. John Adams. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2001.
The Navigation Acts. 15 Sept. 2000. Colonial Life. 12 Sept. 2006
No Stamp Act Teapot. Worldwide Shopping Mall. 12 Sept. 2006 <
The Papers of John Adams. The Avalon Project at Yale Law School. 12 Sept. 2006 <
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Unit Title: Road to Revolution
Grade Level/Course Title: Fifth Grade/Early American History
Focus Questions: 1.How did economic factors and political ideas influence the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies?