8.H.5. The ideas of the Enlightenment and dissatisfaction with colonial rule led English colonists to write the Declaration of Independence and launch the American Revolution.

Chapter 5 – The Road to Independence

When talking about the American Revolution, some may believe the colonists were one, united front against Great Britain. This is not true! Not all colonists believed independence was the answer to the way Great Britain was treating them. The people in favor of remaining British subjects were called Loyalists or Tories (loyal to Great Britain) and those in support of independence were called Revolutionaries or Patriots. Colonists that supported neither side were called Neutralists. These three groups, living amongst one another, added to an already tense atmosphere throughout the colonies, in the 1770’s.

During the revolution, each group attempted to secretly gather information from the other including troop movements, political decisions, army supplies, and any other information that could help their cause.

For the next two weeks, all the 8th grade social studies classes at Buckeye Valley will be divided, just as the colonists during the American Revolution. Each social studies class (Mrs. Burkam, Mrs. Rackley, Ms. Sawmiller, and Mr. Skalko) will be split into three groups; the first two being Loyalists and Revolutionaries. What is the third group you ask?

The SPIES!!!

Fact or Fiction?

For two weeks, all the 8th grade social studies classes at BV will be divided into Loyalists (Tories) and Revolutionaries (Patriots). The goal for each group will be to discover as many facts about the American Revolution (that have NOT been discussed in class) and deliver them to a safe location (your SS teacher) before they can be stolen by the opposing group.

Goal: Have the highest total of facts at the end of the unit.

How to Play:

There are two ways you can earn a point for your team.

  1. First, you can research facts about the Revolution, on your own, and turn them in.
  2. Second, there will be facts hanging throughout the school. (For example: Cafeteria, Gymnasium, Locker Rooms, etc.) If you find a fact in one of these areas, you must take a picture of the fact with your phone and bring your phone to class. (You will have the opportunity to get your phone out to check your fact.)
  3. Third, if you find a message in the school but it is not hanging NOT on a wall, it is fair game to pick up and bring to class. The messages NOT attached to a wall may have hidden clues as to the identity of the spy.
  4. If your group can identify the spy, your group must put in a formal accusation to the teacher to put the spy on trial. If the spy is found guilty, the group earns TEN points toward their total. If the spy is found innocent, your group loses TEN points.

What to do when you find a fact:

  1. When you find a fact or bring a fact in from home, you willpick up a fact or fiction slip from your social studies room.
  2. Fill out the slip, get the fact checked and signed by your group Historian, and turn it in to the appropriate location.

Keep your eyes peeled for messages throughout the school, but be careful… spies have the ability to create messages that have incorrect facts. If your team turns in a message, to a teacher, with an incorrect fact, you will be penalized one point.

BE AWARE! Messages found outside the classroom may have hidden clues or facts about the identity of the spy!

Classrooms are a safe haven for group activity. Groups can check messages and discuss/check the validity of facts in the classroom, but outside, you are vulnerable to thieves and spies!

Remember, you CANNOT turn in a fact that we have ALREADY TALKED ABOUT IN CLASS!