Lesson 1: Colonization to Independence

Identify the economic, religious and geographical factors leading to colonization of the New World and the developments which led it to seek independence.

Mission US - the site, subtitled " A Revolutionary Way to Learn History", is a multimedia project that immerses players in U.S. history content through free interactive games. Mission 1: “For Crown or Colony?” puts players in the shoes of Nat Wheeler, a printer’s apprentice in 1770 Boston. NEW APR 2013

History of the 13 Original Colonies - describes the founding of the original colonies

American Revolution - the History Place website provides a six part history of the American Revolution beginning with the settlement of the colonies through the signing of the Constitution.

American Revolution Unit - a total of 15 lessons comprises this unit on the American Revolution, each with its own activities and quizzes.

A Royal Charter from the King - a Problem Based Activity - gives students the task of developing a proposal to start a new colony

To Market To Market - a Virtual Museaum which studies the Colonial Economy from 1600-1750. Students will learn how the early colonial people earned a living by recreating a Town Square in which the student is the trades person.  Topic areas include the market, trades, apprenticeship, mercantilism, and importing and exporting.

The Battle of the Battlefields - students act as members of a research group appointed by the President to determine which battle is to be designated the most important battle of the American Revolution.

Lesson 2: Confederation

Explain the reasons for, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of, the original confederation.

Articles of Confederation 1781 - complete text of the Articles of Confederation

Comparing the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutions - this article makes a point by point comparison of the articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Lesson 3: Framing the Constitution

Identify the primary elements of the U.S. Constitution and the historical reasons for its compromises and approaches.

Framing the Constitution

Bill of Rights - a discussion of each of the Bill of Rights, the original ten amendments which were added to the U.S. Constitution in order to guarantee individual liberties. The Amendment is printed first in bold black, then it is broken up into parts and analyzed in detail by the author. Includes many activities that will help students understand the meaning of the Bill of Rights.

Lesson 4: The Founding Fathers

Identify the competing political philosophies of the Founding Fathers and explain who these view were blended in the U.S. principles of government.

America's Founding Fathers