Essential Questions Specialty Area 8
1.Analyze the contributions of Thomas Paine.
|
4. Analyze the contributions of Thomas Jefferson.
Your Thesis: SO WHAT? While completing your research what conclusions did you draw? Why does this topic matter, how do the events you studied change history? Write a one paragraph thesis that addresses what is important about this subject & what should people remember. |
Web links to Research, Project Helps and Online Presentation Assitance
The "Project Assistance" button above will give you access to numerous websites that can assist you in creating web based projects. Regardless of your chosen project take a few minutes to review the available web sites, you might find something you were not previously aware of that will be of interest to you!
|
The "Willowcreek Library Texts and Tools" button above will link you to the Alexandria Library. Within the Alexandria library any books with the call number starting with "REF" or a number are informational texts, conversely any call number starting with "FIC", "PB", or "SC" are fictional texts. To access books tagged for the Revolutionary war, go to the search page, type in "ness rev war", and hit search. on the top right hand corner click on the "find more" box. To assist in your search, go to the top drop down menu "unsorted" and sort by "Call Number", this will categorize the fiction and informational texts,posting the informational texts (excluding reference texts) on the top; in addition it will indicate the order of the texts on the stacks. Identify the call number to find the text on the stacks.
|
Page Numbers in the Text Specialty Area 8

Call to Freedom
Pages: 158-159
Page: 170
Pages: 136-137
Page: 140
Page 152
American History
Pages: 214-217
Pages: 194-195
Pages: 158-159
Page: 170
Pages: 136-137
Page: 140
Page 152
American History
Pages: 214-217
Pages: 194-195
Instructor Created MaterialsOn the right is an excellent video podcast of a presentation created and presented by a Brentley, below, and on the bottom right is an outstanding presentation created and presented by Ellie including a game at the conclusion, both teach the contributions of Thomas Paine, John Adams, Samuel Adams (NORTH), Thomas Jefferson & Patrick Henry (SOUTH) in leading the Colonies to the Revolution. On the bottom left is a vodcast presented by Nainoa. Students can use this information to complete the questions on Specialty Area 8 in the student workbook
|
Student Created MaterialsB8 PLEASE USE THE PRESENTATION BELOW TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS IN YOUR WORKBOOK ON PAGE 29 SA 8: KEY LEADERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
|
Suggested Websites for Specialty Area 8
Suggested Novels for Specialty Area 8
Title: Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons
Author: Ann Rinaldi This is the fictionalized biography of poet Phillis Wheatley, the slave who became America's first African American poet. She is captured in Africa, endures the middle passage on a slave ship and is sold to the Wheatley family of Boston. The family taught her to read and admired her poetry and introduced her to many of the personages of the time: John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, among others Title: The Fighting Ground
Author: Avi Jonathan is taken by Hessians to a farmhouse where he meets a little boy who is the only survivor of his family. When given the opportunity, Jonathan finds it impossible to kill the Hessians. He escapes with the little boy and finds the remnants of the two men he was with in battle. When he realizes that they must have killed the boy's parents, Jonathan smashes his rifle and heads back to the farm. Title: Thomas Jefferson: Creating a Nation EASY READER
Author: Lynda Pfueger Explores the public and private life of Thomas Jefferson Title: Thomas Jefferson EASY READER
Author: Harness, Cheryl. Harness combines lively narrative and vibrant illustrations to bring this extraordinary Founding Father to life. Title: Or Give Me Death.
Author: Ann Rinaldi Synopsis: With insight and compassion Rinaldi explores the possibility that Patrick Henry’s immortal cry “Give me Libery or Give me Death” was first spoken by his wife Sarah, as she pleaded to be released from her confinement for mental illness. Told from the point of view of the Henry children, Or Give Me Death eloquently depicts the secret life and tremendous burdens borne by one famous American and his family during a time of political turmoil and impending war. Title: Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams EASY READER
Author: Jean Fritz Rebel leader Sam Adams refused to ride on horseback as some of the more glamorous revolutionaries, but this plain and rumpled man was one of the most eloquent of them all Title: Everybody's revolution: a new look at the people who won America's freedom
Author: Thomas Fleming The story of the American Revolution featuring men and women from various cultural backgrounds who made significant contributions. Title: Attack of the turtle
Author: Drew Carlson Fourteen-year-old Nathan joins forces with his cousin David Bushnell to secretly build the first submarine used in naval warfare Title: Five 4ths of July
Author: Pat Raccio Hughes On July 4th, 1777, Jake, 14, and his friends are celebrating their new nation's independence, but over the next four years Jake finds himself in increasingly adventurous circumstances Title: Secret weapons: A tale of the Revolutionary War
Author: J. Gunderson ; illustrated by Jesus Aburto Fourteen-year-old Daniel wants to join the militia to fight the redcoats, but his father wants him to help run the family blacksmith shop. When he is shown a stash of weapons in the back room, he is determined to protect the weapons from the British. Title: Will you sign here, John Hancock EASY READER
Author: Jean Fritz ; pictures by Trina Schart Hyman. A biography of the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, outlining all that he did for himself as well as what he did for Massachusetts and his new nation Title: Uncommon revolutionary: A story about Thomas Paine
Author: Laura Waxman ; illustrations by Craig Orback Introduces Thomas Paine, whose articles and pamphlets helped generate support for the Revolutionary War |
Title: Paul Revere and his midnight ride EASY READ
Author: Gary Jeffrey; illustrated by James Field The thrilling story of one of the most famous horse rides in American history awaits readers in this book. Paul Reveres journey to warn colonial leaders of the coming British invasion is told with illuminating detail, blending important facts with an easy-to-follow narrative. Includes index Title: Storyteller
Author: Patricia Reilly Giff Forced to spend months at an aunt's house, Elizabeth feel a connection to her ancestor Zee, whose picture hangs on the wall, and who reveals her story of hardships during the Revolutionary War as Elizabeth comes to terms with her own troubles Title: The year of the hangman
Author: Gary Blackwood. In 1777, having been kidnapped and taken forcibly from England to the American colonies, fifteen-year-old Creighton becomes part of developments in the political unrest there that may spell defeat for the patriots and change the course of history. Title: Spy!
Author: Anna Myers In 1774, 12-year-old Jonah becomes a pupil of Nathan Hale, inspiring him to question his beliefs about the upcoming revolution, leading Jonah to a decision that causes Nathan's execution. Title: Time enough for drums
Author: Ann Rinaldi Sixteen-year-old Jem and her servant struggle to keep things going at home in Trenton, New Jersey, when the family men join the war for independence from the British king. Title: The spy: A tale of the neutral ground (CLASSICAL NOVEL, ADVANCED READERS ONLY)
Author: James Fenimore Cooper Reprint of an 1821 novel that tells the story of a man who risked his life in service to America during the Revolutionary War Graphic Novel
Title: The Sons of Liberty Author: Lagos, Alexander, Walker, Steve, Kramek, Oren, Lagos, Joseph Two runaway slaves in Colonial America gain super-powers and two mentors Title: John Adams and the Boston Massacre GRAPHIC NOVEL
Author: Gary Jeffrey ; illustrated by Emanuele Boccanfuso Includes indexl.Readers discover the facts behind the Boston Massacre, which ultimately left five colonists dead. The ensuing trial unfolds for readers with great tension, as Adams works to prove that patriots can be trusted to defend the human rights of all people. Title: Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence GRAPHIC NOVEL
Author: Gary Jeffrey ; illustrated by Emanuele Boccanfuso The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. In this enthralling book, readers discover the fascinating story behind its creation. They journey into the world of Thomas Jefferson as he struggles to create the words from which America emerged as a new nation. Title: Thomas Paine writes Common Sense GRAPHIC NOVEL
Author: Gary Jeffrey ; illustrated by Nick Spender The words of Thomas Paine truly inspired the fight for American independence. He helped define the aims of the Revolutionary War. He even rode alongside George Washington in the 1783 parade celebrating Americas victory. This book teaches readers about his journey from making corsets in England to fanning the flames of revolution in America Title: Samuel Adams and the Boston Tea Party GRAPHIC NOVEL
Author: Gary Jeffrey ; illustrated by Nick Spender Samuel Adams is one of the most well known figures in the American fight for independence. His impassioned speeches helped motivate colonists to take action against British taxes, which led to the famous act of rebellion known as the Boston Tea Party. This book is told in the form of a graphic novel. |

See Below For Available Films and Podcasts Related to Specialty Area 8
Rebels & Redcoats
A unique British produced documentary that shares the British perspective about the American Revolution
The American Revolution: The Story of Us
A miniseries presenting the history of how the United States was invented, looking at the moments where Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress -- from the rigors of linking the continent by transcontinental railroad to triumphing over vertical space through the construction of steel-structured buildings. The series also is a story of conflict, with Native American peoples, slavery, the Revolutionary War that birthed the nation, the Civil War that divided it, and the great world war that shaped its future."
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine Part I A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Thomas Paine Part II A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Thomas Paine Part III A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Thomas Paine Part IV A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Thomas Paine Part V A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Thomas Paine Part VI A lighthearted look (by a Brit) at an Englishman who changed the world.
Patrick Henry
The famous "Give Me Liberty of Give Me Death" speech as recorded by Librovox. A Suzanne Williams Photography production, ten minutes
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams Part I
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Samuel Adams Part II
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Samuel Adams Part III
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Samuel Adams Part IV
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Samuel Adams Part V
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Samuel Adams Part VI
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Getting to Know Samuel Adams, a series on America's Founding Fathers, written and produced by the conservative talk show host Glen Beck
Thomas Jefferson
A six minute collection of great scenes of Thomas Jefferson from HBO's John Adams.
Thomas Jefferson a Man of Word and Hopes
Thomas Jefferson, History Speaks Thomas Jefferson: A Word of Hope, primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was a great American writer whose words and views helped form Americans' views of their country. Hope and a belief in humans' innate sense of right and wrong were intrinsic parts of his enigmatic personality
Thomas Jefferson, History Speaks Thomas Jefferson: A Word of Hope, primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was a great American writer whose words and views helped form Americans' views of their country. Hope and a belief in humans' innate sense of right and wrong were intrinsic parts of his enigmatic personality
John Adams
John Adams: 8 minute clip from the HBO documentary “John Adams”. This scene depicts John Adams, first US ambassador to London and later the second President of the United States of America, meeting King George III of Great Britain and Ireland
John Adams: 5 minute clip from the
HBO documentary “John Adams”. This scene
depicts Congress approving the Declaration of
Independence, brilliant scene from John Adams mini-series.
John Adams: 4 ½ minute film clip for the HBO documentary “John
Adams”. This scene depicts John Adams
and Alexander Hamilton taking Jefferson “to school”
John Adams: In this 12 minute clip from the HBO documentary “John Adams” Adams is called upon to defend Captain Preston and the
British soldiers charged with murder after the Boston Massacre