Jacquelyn C. Olson

SLM 521 – Elective number 10

Current events – Assignment 2

Fifth Grade Social Studies

July 5, 2009

Current Events

Learning Activity

Purpose: Students will gain an appreciation for the history, tradition and pageantry behind the United States Fourth of July Celebration.

Objectives: Upon completion of this activity students will:
1.	Understand the historical significance of the United States Fourth of July celebration.
2.	Describe what the Declaration of Independence is and what it means for all Americans.
3.	Explain how the first Fourth of July was celebrated by the American people.
4.	Explain what traditions the Americans people have adopted in celebration of this historical day.
5.	Compare and contrast the activities that took place on the first Fourth of July celebration with the activities of a modern Fourth of July celebration.

	Fireworks over Washington D.C.

Activities:
1.	This activity will be completed in the computer lab.
2.	Log on to your computer, and use the link to enter the Time for Kids website and read the article entitled “A Star-Spangled Celebration” by Lara Sokolowski. Please follow the embedded links. You will need the information within them to complete the remaining activities.
3.	Once you have completed the worksheet, we will break-up into discussion groups of 3 to 4 students to compare answers and discuss the types of traditions each of our classroom families has adopted to celebrate this significant historical holiday.

Star-Spangled Celebration
Name_____________________________________ Date:_________________________________
1.	Describe the event that took place on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2.	Why is the Declaration of Independence significant in American history?
3.	According to the Declaration of Independence, all men are created how? What are the unalienable rights that the Declaration of Independence declares all men should have?
4.	Remembering what you already know about the economy and style of living within the thirteen original colonies, answer the following question. Do you believe that the writers of the Declaration of Independence meant to include all the diverse cultures of the original thirteen colonies when they wrote this document? Explain.
5.	Who wrote the original draft of the Declaration of Independence? Who revised the document that was adopted on July 4, 1776?
6.	When did the first Independence Day Celebration take place and where?
7.	What events took place during the first Independence Day Celebratio? Explain.
8.	Whom did Americans hold a mock funeral for that first summer after the Declaration of Independence was signed? What did the funeral symbolize?
9.	Describe the types of traditional activities many Americans participate in during their Fourth of July Celebrations.
10.	What do the Erie Canal and the Washington Monument both have in common with America’s Independence Day?