The American Revolution for Beginners

Written and Illustrated By: Keene State College and Hamilton College

4th Grade

Alma Del Mar

  2  

Introduction

The fourth graders at Alma del mar have been hard at work this fall. They have been researching and studying The American Revolution. Our goal was to become experts about the causes, leaders, and major battles of the American Revolution. In addition, we strove to become experts on the creation of The Constitution as well. They succeeded with great quality.

The scholars worked in partners to research one of the causes, leaders, or major battles. They used books, internet articles, field work journals, and notes from previous classes. They were required to take notes as pair, organize their information as a pair, and write their reports as a pair as well. This required them to practice accountable talk, positive partner talk, and constructive feedback. Learning to share words and write in unison was incredibly challenging for the scholars, but their ability to problem solve was truly remarkable throughout the process. This partner work truly allowed them to be experts, on the teamwork that it took to create the constitution, and a new nation.

The art process was remarkable as well. From beginning to end scholars showed great attention to detail. They tried their best to replicate pictures, street view images, and maps of important locations, battles and people of the times. With great support from their teachers and peers, their art work is a strong depiction of their expertise on the subject as well.

  3  

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to...

• Jill Mirman, an expeditionary Learning Coach • Kate Fraser-Rego, art instructor • Joshua Daponte, Music instructor • Shawn Lowry, Para-professional and instructional support • Ashley Nelson, supporter of initial research • Old State House, Field work site for Boston Massacre Trial • Clark-Hancock Tavern, Field work site for Lexington and

Concord • Family volunteers, all family volunteers who attended field

work

…A great thank you to everyone who made this expedition and finally product a success!

  4  

  5  

George Washington’s Army

.

  6  

  7  

Paul Revere’s Life and Legacy

  8  

  9  

The Battle of Saratoga

  10  

  11  

George Washington

  12  

  13  

The Declaration of Independence

  14  

Thomas Jefferson

  15  

Thomas Jefferson

By Jonathan Serpa

Thomas Jefferson was our third president and really wanted

freedom for the colonists. Jefferson was a politician. Many people

thought he was a great leader. He wanted colonists to be free from Great

Britain. There are many important facts about Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson had a very important life. Jefferson was born on

April 12th, 1743. He went to the University of Virginia at the age 17.

Jefferson was our third president. Jefferson died at at 83. Jefferson had a

very clever and interesting life.

Have you ever wondered how Jefferson changed history? First of

all, he helped write The Declaration of Independence. He also helped

write The Constitution. In addition he established the Louisiana

Purchase. Also, he brought all of the land to the west of the colonies. He

changed history a lot for the Americans.

Thomas Jefferson led an important life in United States history. He

changed history in many ways. The most unique fact is that he went to

the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson is an interesting person

because he was one of our first presidents.

  16  

Shay’s Rebellion

  17  

  18  

The Loyalists

  19  

  20  

The Boston Tea Party

  21  

The French and Indian War

  22  

  23  

The Patriots

  24  

  25  

  26  

The Battle of Lexington and Concord

  27  

  28  

The Battle of Yorktown

  29  

  30  

The Bill of Rights

  31  

  32  

The Boston Massacre

  33  

  34  

The Boston Massacre Trial

  35  

  36  

The Stamp Act

  37  

  38  

King George III

  39  

  40  

John Adams

  41  

  42  

The Treaty of Paris