UAC - Lesson Study
History-Social Science Content Standards
11.1 Students analyze the significant events in the founding of the nation and its attempts to
realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Independence.
12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as
expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.
Chapter 2 – Section 2 – The Declaration of Independence
 Content/Lesson Objective: Analyze the ideas in the Declaration of Independence.
Instruction
5 min. – “Question of the Day: If you break off a relationship do you need to tell the other person
why?” – Students will write the question and answer to be turned in at the end of the
unit.
20 min – Content Instruction – PowerPoint – Students will take notes of the presentation to be
turned in at the end of the unit.
7.5 min – Extension – Video “Declare Yourself: Declaration of Independence” Students will
watch a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a short introduction, done by
well know actors. Link:
http://www.declareyourself.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6&It
emid=3&video=1473
20 min – Guided Group Practice –
 Students will read out loud a short page that includes some primary source excerpts
from the writings of John Locke and Thomas Jefferson:

PowerPoint has the excerpts with assistance on vocabulary that student may struggle
with.

Students will complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the excerpts.
This will be turned in at the end of the period to be used for formative assessment.
10-20 min – Independent Study - Homework – Students will answer the questions:
1. What are the common themes in these two passages?
2. What are the critical differences?
3. In what ways does Jefferson build on the ideas presented by Locke?
This will be turned in at the end of the unit.