Revolutionary War  (Understanding by Design)

What enduring understandings are desired?
Students will understand that democratic values and principles led some colonists to declare independence from England and create a government for their new country. 

What essential questions will guide this unit and focus teaching/learning?

What conflicting ideas led to the Revolutionary War?

What were the hopes and fears of the colonists?

How did the Revolutionary War shape our country? 

What key knowledge and skills will students acquire as a result of this unit?

Students will know:

Causes and effects of the Revolutionary War

Importance of major documents

Views of loyalists and patriots

Roles that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin played

Students will be able to:

Define liberty and patriotism

Sequence major events on a timeline

Compare monarchy and democracy

Analyze primary sources