Fifth Grade Revolution Unit
Lesson 7
Title: First Continental Congress
Grade Level: 5th
Unit of Study: American Revolution,
Abstract: In this lesson students explore the First Continental Congress and the issues of
colonial unity, independence and political action. After they examine the actions and ideas of
the colonial leaders involved in the First Continental Congress, students engage in a simulation
of Congress.
GLCE:
U3.1.1 Describe the role of the French and Indian War, how British policy toward the
colonies in America changed from 1763 to 1775, and colonial dissatisfaction with
the new policy.
Key Concepts: The cause and effects of the First Continental Congress, representative
government, and the first self-government.
Sequence of Activities:
1.
Begin this lesson with a brief review of the Intolerable Acts. Remind students that
although the Intolerable Acts targeted the colonists of Massachusetts and of Boston in
particular, people in all the colonies were angry and quick to come to the defense of
Boston. Ask students to think of ways the colonists may have protested these acts based
on what they learned about previous colonial reactions to British laws and actions.
Possible answers include:
*A boycott of British goods
*Demonstrations
*A petition to the King and/or Parliament
*Destruction of British property similar to the Boston Tea Party, or
*Circular letters (Committees of Correspondence) sent between colonists
listing ideas of what to do
2.
Write “The First Continental Congress” on the board (or overhead). Ask students what
they think this means. Record student responses.
3. Show a video segment from United Streaming about the First Continental Congress.
4. Return to the students’ list of responses. Have them add to their list and with all the
reactions, discuss:
*who was involved
*reasons for the reaction
*outcome of the reaction
Calhoun ISD Social Studies Curriculum Design Project
Fifth Grade Revolution Unit
Formative Assessment: Students will write a brief position paper on whether or not to join the
First Continental Congress. An explanation supporting their stand must include facts from video
or other resource materials.
Connections:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Instructional Resources:
Equipment/Manipulative
Student Resources
Teacher Resources
Hands on History, American Revolution by Michael Gravois ISBN#0-439-07208-5
Liberty or Death—The American Revolution 1763-1783. Betsy & Giulio Maestro (Scholastic)
Calhoun ISD Social Studies Curriculum Design Project