SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM UNIT FIVE
Name: Fairfield Township School District / Date: MP 3,2 wks, MP 4, 4wks
Lesson Title: The Road to a New Nation and Independence
Subject: SOCIAL STUDIES / Grade Level/Course: 4
Overview of Unit: Understand why New Jersey was important battleground during the Revolutionary War. Understand why was the Declaration of Independence was written, and who were the important contributors on the road to independence.
Interdisciplinary Connections: X Language Arts Social Studies ___Science PE Art Technology Music ___Math ___World Language
Learning Targets

BIG IDEA(S):Describe the road to a new a nation and how it gained its independence.

Standard(s): 6.1.4.A.1, 6.1.4.A.2, 6.1.4.A.3, 6.1.4.D.6, 6.1.4. D.7, 6.1.4.D8

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS / ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
  • What were the major views and conflicts of the Patriots and Loyalists that contributed to the Revolutionary War?
  • Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
  • What events preceded the Revolutionary War?
  • Why was New Jersey an important battleground during the Revolutionary War?
  • What is the importance of the constitution of the United States?
  • Who were the important contributors on the road to independence?
/
  • Patriots and Loyalists were colonists with two different views.
  • The Patriots wanted independence form England, and the loyalists supported England.
  • The British and colonists had many conflicts, which resulted in the Revolutionary War.
  • Taxation without representation was a major issue between the Colonists and the British.
  • New Jersey held an important role in the Revolutionary War.
  • The Declaration of Independence is a major document in America history that expresses key principles, ideas and beliefs of Americans.
  • The constitution was written as a basic plan for the United States Government to follow.

UNIT LEARNING TARGETS:
Students will be able to…
  • Compare and contrast goods, services, needs, and wants.
  • Summarize economy and its role in New Jersey.
  • Explain what taxes are and how they are collected and money is used.
  • Describe the impact of the development of transportation and communication in New Jersey.

ASSESSMENT
PERFORMANCE TASKS:
  • Written assessment
  • Project

OTHER EVIDENCE:
  • Small group of discussion
  • Whole group discussion
  • Student observation

LEARNING PLAN
  • Field trip to Trenton – Old Barracks to experience and participate in Revolutionary War-like atmosphere.
  • Create a timeline of events documenting New Jersey’s involvement and major battles in war.
  • Outline key points of the Constitution.
  • Role play a debate contrasting the views of the colonists and loyalists.
  • Field trip to Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA.
/ Resources
  • Scott Foresman- Social Studies
  • Scott Foresman- Social Studies – New Jersey