In this 12-week class, students will learn the US history from 1775-1783. This is Part 2 of a series on US history. The series does not have to be completed in order; however, completing the series in order can be very beneficial to the students and the comprehension retention of what occurred and when. 

Students will write a summary paragraph after class about what they learned in class. This course is designed to learn some key facts about The American Revolution in US history. After class, each student will write a minimum of a five sentence paragraph about the day's topic. This will help the students to practice their summary writing.

Students will read one non-fiction and one fiction book throughout the course. Students will have a list of books to choose from. At the end of the class, students will write a summary report on their chosen books. Here is the list of books to choose from:

Non-Fiction

"The American Revolution: A History" by Gordon S. Wood
This concise yet comprehensive overview of the American Revolution offers insights into the political and social transformations that defined the era. Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, explores the ideological underpinnings of the revolution, emphasizing how it reshaped American society and governance. Through a blend of analysis and narrative, he illustrates the complexities of the struggle for independence and the emergence of a new nation.

"1776" by David McCullough
In this gripping narrative, McCullough brings to life the pivotal year of 1776, focusing on the American struggle for independence. Through vivid storytelling, he chronicles the challenges faced by George Washington and his troops, highlighting key battles and the resilience of the American spirit. McCullough's engaging prose and thorough research provide readers with a deep understanding of the events that shaped the nation's founding.

"The American Revolution: A Visual History" by DK Publishing
This visually stunning book combines rich illustrations, photographs, and maps to present the American Revolution in an accessible format. DK Publishing's approach makes the historical narrative engaging for readers of all ages, showcasing key events, figures, and battles through captivating visuals. It serves as an excellent resource for those looking to understand the revolution's impact while enjoying a visually rich experience.

"Liberty! The American Revolution" by Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller
This documentary-style book provides a narrative of the American Revolution through the lens of personal stories and historical accounts. Goldfine and Geller weave together various perspectives, from soldiers to civilians, to illustrate the profound effects of the revolution on everyday lives. The book emphasizes themes of liberty and sacrifice, making the historical events relatable and poignant.

"Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning work, Ellis examines the lives and interactions of key figures from the American Revolution, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. Through a series of interconnected essays, he explores the personal and political dynamics that shaped the founding of the United States. Ellis’s insightful analysis reveals the complexities of the revolutionary generation and their enduring influence on American history.


Fiction

"Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Set during the American Revolution, "Chains" follows the story of Isabel, a young enslaved girl fighting for her freedom in New York City. As she navigates the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, Isabel becomes embroiled in the conflict between the British and American forces. Anderson's powerful narrative highlights themes of resilience, identity, and the struggle for liberation, making it a poignant exploration of the revolutionary era through the eyes of a young girl.

"My Brother Sam Is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
This historical novel tells the story of the Meeker family during the American Revolution, focusing on the conflict between loyalty to the British Crown and the burgeoning patriot cause. Through the eyes of Tim Meeker, readers witness the impact of war on family dynamics and community. The narrative raises questions about duty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, ultimately leading to a tragic and thought-provoking conclusion.


"The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
Set in 1687 Connecticut, this novel follows Kit Tyler, a young girl who moves from Barbados to live with her strict Puritan relatives. As she struggles to fit into her new life, Kit befriends an elderly woman accused of witchcraft, leading to tension and conflict within the community. Speare's richly woven tale explores themes of acceptance, individuality, and the consequences of fear and prejudice, set against the backdrop of colonial America.

"The Fighting Ground" by Avi
This gripping novel follows a young boy named Jonathan who longs to be a soldier in the American Revolution. When he finally gets his chance, he joins a group of soldiers but quickly realizes the harsh realities of war. Through Jonathan's journey, Avi captures the confusion, fear, and bravery of a young soldier, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and the true cost of conflict.

"A Revolutionary Tale" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
In this compelling narrative, Bartoletti explores the lives of children during the American Revolution, focusing on their experiences and contributions to the war effort. Through a blend of historical accounts and personal stories, the book sheds light on the often-overlooked role of young people in shaping history. Bartoletti's engaging writing brings to life the struggles and triumphs of youth during a time of monumental change.


In addition, the students will be creating their own timeline throughout the course. After each class, the student will create that week's topic to be added to their final FlipBook project. For example, the week we learn about “Declaration of Independence” the students will create this on their final project through whatever art supplies or other types of supplies they have on hand. 

During our 12th week, all students will present their final projects under the classroom tab or, at the very least, within one week of the conclusion of the class and will receive a certificate of completion after the final project has been turned in.

Possible external sources could include Canva for lesson content, unlisted YouTube videos from the teacher, Flipgrid for interactive video assignments, Blooket for quizzes, Activity Learn for assignments, etc. Students are not required to have accounts. They will be provided links and then we'll complete the tasks. These tasks are for the lesson, comprehension, and interaction. 

We will use different methods of interaction between the student and the teachers. These methods will include the classroom, Nearpod, Google Docs, and other relatable resources that would be beneficial each week. For example, students will be able to upload their weekly writing with Google Docs and the teacher can help with revisions, ideas, grammar, spelling, comments, etc. Another example would be using Nearpod where students can complete polls, quizzes, and slides to interact with the teacher.