Traye Pelzer

February 17, 2015

Edu 218
College Freshmen
Small group of nine generally bright students.
How not to Teach History
Objective: To form an opinion on the major causes for the issuing of the Declaration of
Independence
Teacher Materials:
Powerpoint
Pen and Paper
Declaration of Independence
Founding Fathers video
Student Materials:
Pen and Paper
Declaration of Independence
Anticipatory Set: Play founding fathers video. Video describes the state of the American
colonies just before the writing of the declaration of independence. Shows the series of events
that pushed the colonists to the point of their declaration.
Procedures:
After founding fathers video ask the class why the colonies left? What were the
key events that lead to the Declaration?
Next form small groups of three and have each group read the Declaration of
Independence
Tell groups to identify the colonists greatest beefs with England. Also have them
determine whether or not the colonists were asking for war by issuing the Declaration?
Closure
Finally have the groups come together and discuss what they believed were the primary
reasons for the Declaration of Independence. Make sure each group provides a reason using
the Declaration as a source to prove their supposed grievances. After the groups have
discussed their main points have the class as a whole give three Big events that they believe
were the ultimate cause for the Declaration of Independence.
Assessment
The discussion at the end of the class will be used as an informal formative assessment
gauging whether or not the students were able to understand the assignment.