Lesson Planner: Subject: Social Studies Name: Grade 5

Topic: Analyzing a Draft of the Declaration of Independence (Chapter 12, section 4)

Standards: 5.16 Explain the meaning of the key ideas on equality, natural rights, the rule of law, and the purpose of government contained in the Declaration of Independence. (H, C, E)

Objectives: Students will be able to examine and interpret key passages from the Declaration of Independence.

Activities:

Preview/Opener/”Do Now:” Analyze the picture on page 164 in the History Alive Textbook. Who are these men? What is happening in this picture? Why is it such an important picture in American history?

Mini-Lesson/Class Notes: Using the first image, assign students a portion of the document and have them try to read and interpret as much of the written text as possible. (Jefferson’s Draft)

Then looking at the second image, ask students to find something that stands out as being different or seems like it has been changed. Have them discuss what it could be and what it might mean?

Finally, looking at the third image, ask them if they chose the correct word. Tell them to look at the image closely and try to come up with an explanation to why this word was changed or perhaps “covered up?” What might this mean? How might have Jefferson been viewed if he did not change this word? How would people of this new nation have felt if that would have been left as subjects?

Groups will now come together and reveal their translated portions of the text.

Assessments: Students will compare their translations versus the actual translated text. Students will be able to score themselves based on the number of words correct versus the total words in the section.

Homework: Find another word or phrase you believe Jefferson could have changed? What is it? How does your change affect the outcome of the document?

Materials: Textbook (page 164), Notebook or I See It Means handout, and the three images of Jefferson’s Draft of the Declaration of Independence. (in .pdf file on wikispace)