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LESSON PLAN SOCIAL STUDIES: FOUNDING FATHERS AND VIRGINIA INFLUENCE (9-12
GRADES)
I.

The Founding Fathers played a major role in the formation and continued
ability for the New Nation to prosper. There are were founders that played
vital roles not only in Virginia State History, but also in the formation of
the federal government. Some of these individuals included: George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Manson, and James Madison.
(a)

What are some things that George Washington accomplished?

(b)

What events led to George Washingtons popularity?

(c)

What did Thomas Jefferson do?

(d)

Which Rights did he hold most dear?

(e)

What were some things that George Manson wanted to accomplish?

(f)

How did James Madison become the Father of the Constitution?

(g)

Why do we call George Washington the Father of our Country?

(h)

What role did George Manson and Thomas Jefferson play in basic
freedoms and liberties?

The founding fathers are the first members of the federal government following
American Independence from Great Britain. George Washington became the first
president of the United States, but it was the ability of Washington to show restraint
on the battle field and in the oval office that gave him the title of Father of the
Country. Thomas Jefferson and George Manson championed individuals rights
against the government both federal and state wide. These bills directly influenced
James Madison in his drafting of the Constitution.
II.

Objectives:

1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the

establishment of the new American nation by explaining why George
Washington is called the Father of our Country and James Madison is called
the Father of the Constitution.
2. The student will identifying the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson
as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom.
3.

The student will practice proper use of the internet for research.

4. The student will be able to present a presentation to the classroom using

Prezi sources
5. The student will gain practice in public speaking and auditory skills
III.

Materials / Resources: Computers, Internet, Prezi Website, Social Studies Book

Lesson:
1. Explain and discuss Founding Fathers:
1. George Washington
2. James Madison
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. George Manson
2. Provide students with a sample presentation of the Founding Fathers using
Prezi
1. Show students the basics and how to change or add pictures
2. Demonstrate how to add sound clips
3. Discuss the importance of flowing presentations for clarity and
understanding as well as eye contact and presentation skills.

Assignment: Each student must put together a presentation on the Founding

Fathers and their contributions to the Constitution, the basis for Virginia Declaration
of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms as they relate to the New
Nation. A rubric for the presentation will be provided to ensure that all initial
questions are answered and a separate rubric for the presentation will be used to
ensure that pubic speaking time is properly analyzed.
V.

Evaluation After completing the assignment, the teacher will ensure that
each student has a few minutes for a one on one interview and they have
attained the required knowledge proposed in this lesson.

VI.

Closure At the conclusion of the unit, I will address the classroom and
ensure that any questions on Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George
Washington and George Manson are covered. A question and answer session
will ensue to ensure that each student understands the questions to be
addressed on the exams. Further use of this session will determine whether
the students need more time during the unit.

http://prezi.com/t41r4oxijhjw/?
utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
VS.6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the
establishment of the new American nation by
a)
explaining why George Washington is called the Father of our Country and
James Madison is called the Father of the Constitution;
b)
identifying the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in
the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom;

Virginia Department of Education. (2008). Standards of Learning (SOL) & Testing.

Retrieved from Virginia.gov:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/history_socialscience/i
ndex.shtml