Declaration of Independence

Rap/Song/Poem Project

Your task is to create a rap, poem, song, or something lyricalthat represents all five sections of the Declaration of Independence (use your frame!). Use your online techbook (chp3, sec3), frame, and textbook to help you!

You must include in your rap/poem:

  • The date that independence was officially declared through the signing of the Declaration
  • The author(s)
  • A summary of all five sections of the Declaration with the 5 sections named (hint: use frame!)
  • At least 2direct quotes from the document
  • The answers to the following questions:
  • What “unalienable rights” are all people entitled too? What’s wrong with the words “all people” in this phrase?
  • What directions are we given if the government doesn’t protect our inalienable rights?
  • How is the Declaration’s idea about why governments are formed still important to our country today?

How do I get started?

  1. Answer all the questions above.
  2. Decide what type of lyrics you are writing…a rap, a poem, a song.
  3. Plan your approach. There are lots of options…

-Basic info, 5 sections in order, additional questions, conclusion

-Basic info. 5 sections in order with additional questions within, conclusion

-Who, questions, 5 sections, basic info, conclusion

-Quotes, basic info, 5 sections with questions, conclusion

-There are a ZILLION ways…just think what makes sense in the context of your song/rap/poem

4. Start writing!! You can type it on the computer for easier editing. You can write it out though, if you like.

Due Dates:

  1. The answers to your questions AND your poem is due to your teacher at the beginning of class on Wednesday, October 21st
  2. Remember: this must be printed BEFORE you come to class on Wednesday or it will be counted late! Come in before school, during study hall, after school to print it!

Declaration of Independence Project Rubric

Date/2

Author/4

Summary of all five sections (2 pts per section)/10

  • Thorough and complete, main ideas relevant
  • 8th grade level ideas

Two Quotes (3 pts per quote)/6

  • Directly from text
  • Fit seamlessly into the poem
  • Makes sense in context

Three Questions(3 pts per question)/9

  • Answered correctly & thoroughly
  • Included in rap

SPG/2

Creativity/2

  • Do NOT want an essay 
  • Rhyming?
  • Interesting word choice

Total/35

Resources to use: