Lesson Plan | Active Learning | American War of Independence

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The objectives stage is essential to guide the focus of students and the teacher during the class. By clearly establishing what is expected to be achieved, this section serves as a compass for the proposed discussions and activities. The outlined objectives help students stay focused on the most critical aspects of the topic, ensuring that discussions are deep and meaningful.

Main Objectives:

1. Describe the process of independence of the British America, focusing on the metropolitan commercial monopoly and its implications.

2. Analyze how the issue of slavery and the economic, social, and political differences between the north and south of the United States influenced and were influenced by independence.

Side Objectives:

1. Foster students' analytical skills by relating historical events to their social and economic impacts.
2. Promote students' argumentation and criticism skills when discussing the causes and consequences of the independence of British America.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students and prepare them for activities applying their prior knowledge. The problem situations encourage students to think critically about what they have learned, while the contextualization helps establish connections between the past and present, increasing interest and relevance of the topic. This is a crucial moment to stimulate curiosity and deepen students' understanding of the complexity of the events leading to the independence of the United States.

Problem-Based Situations

1. How did the metropolitan commercial monopoly affect the economy and social relations in the American colonies, and how did this contribute to the tensions that led to independence?

2. Explain how the differences between the northern and southern regions of the United States, especially concerning slavery, influenced their positions during the American Revolution.

Contextualization

To contextualize the importance of the independence of British America, one can explore curiosities such as the first Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia in 1774, and the initial tensions that led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Additionally, discussing how figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson led and influenced the independence movement can help students connect history with real historical figures, making learning more vivid and relevant.

Development

Duration: (75 - 85 minutes)

The Development stage is designed for students to practically and creatively apply the knowledge acquired about the independence of British America. Through playful and participatory activities, students explore the complexities of the topic, developing skills in critical analysis, argumentation, and teamwork. This section is crucial for deepening students' understanding and fostering meaningful learning, where theory is transformed into practice through simulations, debates, and dramatizations.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Reviving the Revolution: A Colonial Debate

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Analyze the different perspectives of the colonies during the American Revolution and how this influenced the independence movement.

- Description: In this activity, students are divided into groups representing different American colonies, each with distinct commercial and social interests. They must debate in a Continental Congress simulation format, discussing the feasibility and consequences of declaring independence from Britain, considering the commercial monopoly, the issue of slavery, and the differences between the regions.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 7 students, each representing a different colony: New England, Mid-Atlantic, South.

• Assign each group an information packet detailing the economic and social context of their colony.

• Each group must prepare a declaration of independence based on their specific conditions and interests.

• Organize a debate where each group presents their declaration and responds to criticisms from other groups.

• At the end, each group votes on whether they would support independence and justifies their vote based on the arguments presented.

Activity 2 - Map of Diversity: Exploring the North and South Regions

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand how regional differences in the United States contributed to pre-independence tensions.

- Description: Students, in groups, use maps and economic data to explore the differences between the North and South regions of the United States during the colonial period. They must identify how these differences impacted each region's positions in the independence movement.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 7 students, each responsible for analyzing a region: North or South.

• Provide maps and economic data highlighting the main economic activities of each region.

• Students must discuss in their groups how these differences influenced the region's position regarding independence.

• Each group prepares a brief report highlighting the key points of their analysis.

• Conduct a group presentation followed by a debate about regional influences on independence.

Activity 3 - Historical Theater: The Colonial Confrontation

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Experience the events that led to independence for a better understanding of the emotional and social impact of these occurrences.

- Description: In this playful activity, students in groups dramatize typical scenarios of confrontation between colonists and British authorities, based on real events. Each group must incorporate elements of commercial monopoly and issues of slavery in their performance.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 7 students, each responsible for dramatizing a specific confrontation from colonial history.

• Each group must research and prepare a short script that includes elements of monopoly and slavery.

• Groups present their plays, followed by a discussion on how these events influenced the decision for independence.

• Hold a small contest where peers and the teacher vote for the best performance, considering historical fidelity and creativity.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning, allowing students to reflect and articulate what they learned during the activities. The discussion in groups helps develop argumentation and synthesis skills, while the presentation of summaries and conclusions promotes a broader and deeper understanding of the historical impact of the independence of British America. This moment also serves to assess the degree of understanding of the students and clarify any remaining doubts, ensuring that the learning objectives have been achieved.

Group Discussion

Start the group discussion with a brief introduction, highlighting the importance of each group sharing their findings and perspectives. Ask each group to present a summary of what they discussed and the conclusions they reached. Encourage students to explain how the different viewpoints of the colonies and the regional differences impacted their decisions. Use this opportunity to revisit key concepts about the commercial monopoly, slavery, and the differences between the north and south, and how these factors influenced the independence movement.

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges each colony faced regarding the commercial monopoly and how did they influence the decisions for independence?

2. How did regional differences, especially concerning slavery, shape the positions of the colonies during the American Revolution?

3. In what ways can understanding these historical events help us better understand contemporary conflicts and current political structures in the United States?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion stage is to consolidate learning, ensuring that students have a clear and complete understanding of the topics covered. In addition, it aims to reinforce the connection between the history studied and the current world, demonstrating the importance of understanding past events to interpret contemporary challenges. This final reflection helps students internalize the concepts and value history as a tool for understanding and critiquing the present.

Summary

In this closing, the teacher should summarize the main points discussed about the Independence of British America, emphasizing the commercial monopoly, the issue of slavery, and the differences between the north and south. The activities carried out, such as the colonial debate, the analysis of the North and South regions, and the dramatization of historical events, should be recapped to consolidate students' understanding.

Theory Connection

Throughout the lesson, the connection between theory and practice was established through interactive activities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated contexts and critical discussions. This helped illustrate how the concepts of monopoly, slavery, and regional differences influenced the decisions and events of the American Revolution.

Closing

Finally, it is crucial to highlight the ongoing relevance of American independence, not only as a historical event but as a foundation for contemporary political and social structures. Understanding these historical events allows students to better analyze current challenges and develop a critical view of the past and present.