Declaration of Independence Activity: Declaration Detectives
- Zip
Also included in
- Here is an amazing United States historical documents bundled resource that is filled with our top seven activities that we use in our classrooms. The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Paul Revere’s Ride, The Star-Spangled Banner, The Olive Branch Petition, The Emancipation Proclamation and$29.57$42.25Save $12.68
- The American Revolution Bundle includes activities, worksheets, printables, quizzes, and so much more. Here are some of the resources included, but take a look above at all that is included! -a loyalist vs. patriot activity and answer key -a Declaration of Independence timeline cutout activity -an E$72.63$103.75Save $31.12
Description
Understanding the Declaration of Independence can be difficult for students. This detective activity is perfect to help your class dig into what the The Declaration of Independence is really about. Through this resource, students will leave with a deeper understanding of the reasons why the colonists decided to break ties with England and become their own nation.
What is Included:
-Teacher Tips (2-pages)
-Introductory Handout (color and printer friendly; 2-pages each)
-Student Questions Handout (5 pages; 10 questions)
-Grading Rubric (1-page)
-Detective Cards (2-pages; color and printer friendly)
-Answer Key (3-pages)
What is NOT Included:
-Declaration of Independence document
-Resources needed for additional research
Teacher Tips:
It is up to you if you want your students to work in groups or individually.
You will want to read the Introductory Handout and the questions that the students will need to research just to understand what you will be expecting the students to do.
Decide which “Declaration Detective” cards you want to use (color or printer friendly) and then print them of. Each detective will need a 3-digit number written on his/her cards. You can do this or your students can. The cards are really just for fun, but we have found that the students like the creativity and it seems to help with the engagement of the lesson.
Students will also need to have access to the Declaration of Independence document and some other resources to answer some of the questions. When we do this in our classroom, we have the students use both the Internet and a textbook.
The Introductory Handout will walk your students (detectives) through a scenario in the “Briefing Room” where the TSDotDoI (Top Secret Department of the Declaration of Independence) has asked your detective agency to investigate the Declaration of Independence. It is up to you if you want every student to have a copy of the handout or if you simply print off one for you to use with a document camera.
As with any activity, students are more engaged when the teacher is also engaged and excited. Below are some suggestion to help with engagement:
- Dress up like a detective (magnifying glass, trench coat, hat, notebook, etc.
- Encourage your students dress up like detectives, a colonist, or King George III.
- Play some detective/mystery type music in the background as students work or as you introduce the activity.
- Find a short mystery on the Internet that the students can watch as an introduction.
- Read a short mystery to the students to help get them excited.
Once you have the activity introduced and how and if students will be grouped, hand out the questions that the students need to answer. See our resource for more detailed teacher tips.
Common Core Standards Covered:
RH.6-8.1
RH.6-8.4
RH.6-8.2
RH.9-10.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click on the titles below to find more Revolutionary War resources!
Comparing British and American Strengths
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer Tips:
*** How to get TPT credits to use on future purchases ***
Go to your My Purchases page. Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button, click it and you will be taken to a page where you can leave a quick rating and a short comment about the product. Why is feedback so important? Each time you provide feedback, you’ll earn TPT credits that can be applied to future purchases to save you money! Plus, the feedback you provide helps us make my products better suit your needs!
*** How To Follow Our Store ***
Click the green star beside our name at the top of this page OR at the top of our store page. Following us notifies you when we post a new item and you will receive customized email updates about our store.
Standards
Reviews
Questions & Answers
