The Declaration of Independence
6-8
1
The Boston Tea Party
Lesson Details
Grade Level
6-8
Duration (minutes)
1
Summary
A grade 6-8 U.S. History and social studies lesson covering the Boston Tea Party, from the colonists' grievance over British taxation through the protest itself to Britain's punishing response and the push toward revolution.
Student Worksheet: The Boston Tea Party
Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!
Key Concepts:
• The Grievance: Colonists were taxed on tea but had no vote in the British government.
• The Protest: The Sons of Liberty boarded three British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
• Britain’s Response: Harsh new laws punished Boston, but instead of backing down, the colonists united.
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: Why were the colonists upset about the tax on tea?
- Question 2: What does “no taxation without representation” mean?
- Question 3: Who carried out the Boston Tea Party, and how were they disguised?
- Question 4: How many chests of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor?
- Question 5: How did Britain respond to the Boston Tea Party, and what effect did it have on the colonists?
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. They had no vote or voice in the British government that was taxing them
2. It means it is unfair to be taxed by a government you have no say or vote in
3. The Sons of Liberty, disguised as Native Americans
4. 342 chests
5. Britain passed harsh new laws punishing Boston, but instead of scaring the colonists, it united them and pushed them closer to revolution
Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on original video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.
🎯 Extension Activity: Have students write a short newspaper headline and opening sentence as if they were a colonial reporter covering the Boston Tea Party the morning after it happened.