Title: The Declaration of Independence: Foundation of American Government Ideals

Grade Level: 10th Grade

Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)

Objectives: 1. Understand the historical context and significance of the Declaration of Independence. 2. Analyze the key ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. 3. Evaluate the impact of the Declaration of Independence on the formation of American government.

Materials: - Copies of the Declaration of Independence - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence - Graphic organizers - Internet access (optional)

Procedure:

Day 1:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about the Declaration of Independence. Write their responses on the board.

Historical Context (15 minutes): 2. Provide a brief overview of the historical context leading up to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, including the relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain. 3. Discuss the events that led to the decision to declare independence, such as the Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, and the Intolerable Acts. 4. Emphasize the role of Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, in shaping the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Analyzing the Declaration (30 minutes): 5. Distribute copies of the Declaration of Independence to each student. 6. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific section of the Declaration. 7. Instruct students to read and analyze their assigned section, identifying key phrases and ideas that express the ideals of unalienable rights, consent of the people, equality of rights, and the government’s responsibility to protect citizens’ rights. 8. Provide graphic organizers for students to record their findings.

Group Presentations (20 minutes): 9. Have each group present their findings to the class, summarizing the key ideas expressed in their assigned section. 10. Facilitate a class discussion to compare and contrast the different sections, emphasizing the recurring themes and ideals.

Day 2:

Review (10 minutes): 1. Begin by reviewing the key ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence from the previous class. 2. Ask students to recall specific phrases or ideas that stood out to them.

Impact on American Government (30 minutes): 3. Discuss the impact of the Declaration of Independence on the formation of American government. 4. Explain how the ideals expressed in the Declaration influenced the writing of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 5. Provide examples of how these ideals are reflected in the structure and principles of American government today.

Application Activity (30 minutes): 6. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. 7. Assign each group a contemporary issue or scenario related to government and citizenship. 8. Instruct students to discuss and analyze how the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence can be applied to their assigned issue or scenario. 9. Encourage students to think critically and propose solutions or actions based on the principles outlined in the Declaration.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 10. Summarize the main points discussed throughout the lesson. 11. Ask students to reflect on the significance of the Declaration of Independence and its enduring impact on American society and government. 12. Provide an opportunity for students to ask questions or share any additional thoughts.

Assessment: - Participation in class discussions and group activities. - Completion of graphic organizers. - Quality of group presentations. - Thoughtful analysis and application of the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence in the application activity.