Women and The American Revolution
During this one week lesson, students will use their analyzing, problem solving, cooperative, and creative skills to tell the story of a colonial woman from the Revolutionary War. These stories will demonstrate the dedication, courage, and sacrifices that women demonstrated during the American Revolution. Students will use primary and secondary sources both online and in paper form from the library to research a woman from this era that was involved in the war. With this information groups will present the woman's story to the school and community in a creative way. Students may create a powerpoint, poster or pamphlet, build a model statue, or act out a skit.
Essential Question
How did the contributions of women during the American Revolution help defeat the British Army as well as help create a new nation?
How did the roles of women during the Colonial period change during the American Revolution?
Grade(s):
- 4
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Computers
laptops
ipads/tablets
printer
internet connection
video camera (to record skit)
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
For project:
art supplies, crayons, color pencils, markers
cardstock paper for pamphlets
craft items to make costumes for skit
modeling clay or other craft materials for model/ statue
Lesson Progression
Prior to this activity, students should complete a lesson on women's contributions during the Revolutionary War . Students should be familiar with the roles that women played during the Colonial era in America. This activity is an opportunity for students to do further research on a woman from the Revolution and focus on how her contributions helped the Patriots win the war.
ENGAGEMENT:
Activity 1: Students and teacher will review the roles of women during the Revolutionary War and discuss how life changed for Colonial women during the war and the roles they had to play: spies, camp followers, nurses, soldiers in disguise, and manning the cannon when needed. Ask students why they think women's stories during the Revolutionary War are often not told or shared in textbooks? "We are going to celebrate the lives of some phenomenal Revolutionary War women this week!" "In your groups you will choose one woman from this list, research her life and create a project to demonstrate how she contributed to the successful fight against the British. "
Teacher will hand each student a sheet with instructions for the group as well as a list of names to choose from. Teacher will also share expectations for groups, due date, and the rubric for the project. Each group will let the teacher know the name of their chosen Revolutionary Woman. 1 class period
EXPLORATION:
Activity 2: Students will work with their groups to research their selected Revolutionary Woman. They will use laptops as well as books from the library. Questions to think about while researching.... "What was her life like before, during, and after the war?" "How did she contribute to the war effort?" "Which side was she for?" 1 class period
EXPLANATION:
Teacher will meet with each group to check for any misunderstandings about the role of women during the Revolutionary War and clear up any wrong information. Teacher will also check in and make sure students are using credible sources and staying on task for their goal.
Elaboration:
Activity 3: Students will use their information from their research to plan out their project: pamphlet, powerpoint, design and build a model statue, or put on a skit. This activity may take 2-3 class periods. Students plan their materials needed and how they will present the woman's accomplishments. Students will share their ideas with the group and make adjustments using problem solving skills and collaboration.
EVALUATION:
Presentation of activity:
Students will present their project to the school as well as the community. Teacher will use the group rubric for the finish product and provide feedback. Selected community members may also provide feedback on the projects on info cards. Students will fill out a group and self evaluation sheet. Presentation of projects will be presented on the 4th/5th day.
Teacher Notes
Time may need to be adjusted for the projects
Project Information Sheet
View ResourceAssessments
Teacher will check in with groups throughout the project and provide guidance and redirection if necessary. Teacher may take notes as they meet with each group.
Before project starts the teacher will state expectations for the final project.
Students will fill out a reflection sheet for their participation as well as a group reflection on their final product.
Teacher may use a check list or PBLWorks Presentation Rubric for the presentation.