The Boston Tea Party
6-8
1
The Declaration of Independence
Lesson Details
Grade Level
6-8
Duration (minutes)
1
Summary
A grade 6-8 U.S. History and social studies lesson covering the Declaration of Independence — why the colonies broke away from Great Britain, Thomas Jefferson's role as author, and what July 4, 1776 actually marked.
Student Worksheet: The Declaration of Independence
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: Britain taxed the colonies on things like tea and paper, without giving them a vote in government.
• The Author: Thomas Jefferson of Virginia was chosen as the main author of the Declaration.
• July 4, 1776: The date the 13 colonies approved the final document — the start of the fight for independence, not the end of the war.
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: What were the American colonists upset about with Great Britain?
- Question 2: Who was chosen as the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Question 3: What did the Declaration of Independence say?
- Question 4: What happened on July 4, 1776?
- Question 5: Did the Revolutionary War end on July 4, 1776? Explain.
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. Britain was taxing them on things like tea and paper without giving them a voice or vote in government
2. Thomas Jefferson
3. It listed the colonies’ reasons for being unhappy and declared that they were breaking away to form their own country
4. Leaders from the 13 colonies approved the final words of the Declaration of Independence
5. No, it was not when the war ended — it was when the dream of independence began
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 their own short "breakup letter" from the colonies to Great Britain, listing 2-3 reasons they are unhappy, in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.