Date:

Objectives: The students will

I. identify the key events that led to the American colonies' break with Great Britain.

II. establish a cause-and-effect relationship for each major event that brought about the Declaration of Independence.
 
 
Warm Up Activity (Anticipatory Set): Using a Time Line

Display or distribute the following timeline:

This link will display a graphic that is 1079 pixels wide and 813 pixels high. You can save it (right click and select "save image as)
or print it. This link will display a slightly smaller version (800 by 603). You can save or print it as well, but with a slight loss of resolution.
 
Have students answer these questions using the timeline:

1) Which events took place in both Europe and North America?
Answer: The Seven Years war/French & Indian War; The 2nd Treaty of Paris

2) Which decade(s) shows the greatest number of events that caused the Colonists and Britain to separate?
Answer: The 1760s and 1770s.

3) Who was prime minister of England when the Boston Tea Party took place?
Answer: Charles Townshend.

4) In what year did the fighting at Lexington and Concord begin the War for Independence?
Answer: 1775

5) Which British general surrendered at Yorktown to end the War for Independence?
Answer: Cornwallis

Main Activity (Instructional Input): Cause and Effect Leading to the Revolution

 A) The chronology of the causes of the revolution have been placed on cards and placed in envelopes for groups of students to place in correct order.

The cards can be downloaded here. Print them and place in envelopes. Distribute to students and have them create a two column chart showing cause and effects for events by placing the events in the right order on their desks.

B) Students should have their textbook or notes available in order to place the terms in their correct order.

C) Students should work together to write a quick summary of the event they are working on.

Check For Understanding: Reviewing the Chart

A) Once students have finished their charts, display an overhead of the competed chart. Have students correct their errors by moving cards into the right place. 

B) Students can copy information into their notebooks, or copies of the chart can be distributed  and students can enter information into their blank copies.
 

Guided Practice: Reviewing the Events

A) Have group members place information on the overhead in the correct order.

B) Groups must check their progress and make corrections.
 

Homework (Independent Practice): Study for exam on the causes of the American Revolution.
 

Wrap-Up Activity (Closure): What If?

Discussion: Which even do you feel is the most influential in bringing about the American Revolution? What would have happened if the event you chose had not taken place? 
 

Evaluation: The lesson will be evaluated by:

I. the accuracy of student's written responses;

II. student's scores on future tests and quizzes.