Constructivist Theory

Constructivist Theory

Lesson PlanGrade: 11Subject: Virginia, US HistorySOL: VUS.4b, evaluating how key principles in the Declaration of Independence grew in importance to become unifying ideas of American democracy.Objectives: The student will explore the ideas of the Declaration of Independence by writing a piece on what different people might have thought about the document via a RAFT activity.

The LessonIntroduction: The class will go over the key ideas of the Declaration of Independence. Have them discuss what ideas they think are important in declaring independence. During this discussion, refer to the points listed below to help them know what they need to look for while reading the document.The Lesson: Hand out copies of the Declaration of Independence and give students ten to fifteen minutes to read it. Instruct them to underline or highlight sentences they think are important or confusing. Give students the option of reading with a classmate if they have trouble understanding the document.Once students have finished reading, let them share what they underline. Make sure to point out any important points that they might miss after they have shared. The following items should be discussed:Political participationUpholding due process of lawProviding free public educationExtending the franchiseAbolishing slaveryCivil rights of women and other groupsRegulating free enterprise systemPromoting economic opportunityProtecting property rightsDiscuss the meaning of words that students might have trouble with.With the list on the board, hand out the attached RAFT activity and go over directions. The students will work on this individually for the remainder of class. They will turn this in at the end of class.

RAFTUsing the table below, chose one item from each column and complete the writing activity. You must include discussion on the key points of the Declaration of Independence as well as information you gained from previous classes in the unit. You may use any resource in the classroom in order to assist you with this assignment. It will be turned in at the end of class.

RoleAudienceFormatTopicAmerican PatriotKing GeorgePoem or songDeclaration of IndependenceBritish LoyalistAmerican PatriotsSpeechDeclaration of IndependenceNeutral CitizenFriend or relativeLetterDeclaration of IndependenceKing GeorgeLoyalistsPolitical cartoonDeclaration of Independence