Amazing Americans:

American Revolution WebQuest

Quest | Background | Looking Deeper | Resources | Debating | Conclusion

---

 

Introduction

You are going back to the time of the Birth of America when the colonists were beginning

to feel like Americans. Some colonists no longer felt they were British citizens since

they were forming a new home far from England. They began to build a unique culture

and form new ideas about how they wanted to govern themselves. Who were some of the

people who helped create this identity? You and your partner will become experts on one

person. You will convince the rest of the group that your character was

THE AMERICAN OF THE YEAR

because he or she contributed the most to America's identity.

With a partner, you will study a famous person who lived during the time of the American Revolution (1775-1781). You and your partner will evaluate the achievements of the person to determine how he or she contributed to our American culture.

When you have gathered enough evidence, you will meet with the other members of the WebQuest team who have studied other famous people. You and your partner will try to persuade the other team members that your person has made the most important contributions to our identity as a nation.

As a final activity, you will make a medal to present to your famous person at a testimonial ceremony. The special award of OUTSTANDING AMERICAN will be given to the person voted as best by the entire WebQuest team.

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Web pages from people all over the world who care about the American Revolution. Because these are real Web pages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or a dictionary in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Read the note sheet directions carefully. As you research and discover the many accomplishments of your person, make notes in the left column. 

To print the note sheet click here.

As you complete each piece of research you will need to fill in the right hand column. Brainstorm with your partner to determine the effect(s) of each achievement.

Prepare to give a testimonial for your famous person. A testimonial is a ceremony in which a person is given something to show honor, admiration, and gratitude for his or her contributions.

1. Now you and your partner will assume roles. One will be the famous American, and the other will be the person presenting the award.

The presenter will write a speech to be given at the testimonial. It will introduce the person, tell a little about the background of the person, and tell many details about his/her contributions to our country and why those contributions were important. The speech should thank the person for his/her contributions. (This speech will be written in final form and given to the teacher. It will show your teacher how much you have learned and will be graded.)

The famous person must write an acceptance speech. The speech should show thanks for the award, mention the achievements, and give reasons why he or she took those actions. (This speech will be written in final form and given to the teacher. It will show your teacher how much you have learned and will be graded.)

2. Next you and your partner will need to design a medal to give at the testimonial. One side should have a picture of the person or an event, with some dates and lettering. The other side should have an inscription that summarizes the reasons for the award. The medal may be a pin-on or worn around the neck.

Materials you may need:

cardboard, colored ribbon, pin, thin markers, other optional craft supplies you may want to enhance your project

Use these links and other classroom resources to find information about Nathan Hale.

Nathan Hale the spy - CIA page with links to biography and information

Nathan Hale Biography - Biography written by student, easy reading

Nathan Hale Biography - Biography resource

Nathan Hale Biography- Biography, difficult reading

Nathan Hale Biography - Sons of the American Revolution

Nathan Hale Biography- Failed spy
 
 
 
 
 

Use these links and other classroom resources to find information about Phillis Wheatley.

Phillis Wheatley biography- First black woman poet.

Phillis Wheatley - Women in History

Phillis Wheatley - Audio --  scene from her life

Phillis Wheatley -Biography

Phillis Wheatley - Exhibit in honor of Women's Month

Phillis Wheatley - Women Writers of Color

Phillis Wheatley - grade 3 student essay
 
 
 
 
 

Use these links and other classroom resources to find information about Paul Revere.
 

Paul Revere Home - Paul's home in Boston

Paul Revere - Midnight Ride poem

Paul Revere - painting by Grant Wood

Paul Revere - biography, easy reading

Paul Revere - Movie

Use these links and other classroom resources to find information about Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson - POTUS (Presidents of the United States)

Thomas Jefferson's Home - Tour Monticello in Virginia, and explore links

Thomas Jefferson - Biography
 
 

Use these links and other classroom resources to find information about John Trumbull.

John Trumbull -Biography - National Gallery of Art

John Trumbull - Painting - Surrender of Burgoyne

John Trumbull- Biography, easy reading

John Trumbull -  Biography -Today in History
 
 

John Paul Jones -- Museum  in Scotland

John Paul Jones --  Founder of the U.S. Navy

John Paul Jones  --  Naval Hero

John Paul Jones  --  Biography

John Paul Jones  --  Chronology

John Paul Jones  --  Portrait Gallery

John Paul Jones  --  Bonhomme Richard
 
 
 
 

Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

Now is the time for the entire WebQuest team to assemble for a final set of tasks.

First:  A decision must be made about which of the Americans studied will receive the distinguished title of AMERICAN OF THE YEAR, the American that has most influenced the birth of our identity as Americans.

There are at least two ways this process can be approached.  Each set of partners must present their reasons for wanting their famous American to receive the special award.  These reasons can be presented to the entire Webquest team, who will listen objectively and take a vote, or the presentation can be made to a third party (perhaps another class) who will make the decision.

Next:  The entire WebQuest team must design a plaque for the special AMERICAN OF THE YEAR award. A picture on one side, and a narrative on the other.

Finally:   The last step is giving the Testimonial. With the entire class as audience (and any invited quests) the partners will assume their roles and give and receive the various awards.

As you read about Americans in history and Americans in the news today, continue to think about the contributions they have made and how this has shaped the culture we live in today.

Even ordinary Americans who are not mentioned in history books have contributed to our American identity. As an American citizen you can shape the future of this country by your actions, ideas, and attitudes.

Last revised January 24, 2003