Reviewing George Washington and the Declaration of Independence

Essential Questions:
  • What is the difference between history and memory?
  • What is the raison d'etre of the Declaration of Independence? 
Anticipatory Set:
Students will list everything they remember about George Washington from what they learned in the 8th grade using two paintings from Charles Wilson Peale and Emanuel Leutze from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.  Each group of five will debrief with each other and then present what they know about the Father of our country.
​Whole Group Discussion:
Ms. Mac will introduce two other paintings of George Washington, John Faed and Titus Kaphar, which are one-hundred years apart.  After "See, Think, Wonder" analysis, students will discuss the difference between history and memory using all four paintings discussed. 
​
Direct Instruction: 
  • Students will review the "raison d'etre" behind the Declaration of Independence:
    • America's "mission statement"
    • "language makes unfinished humanity human"
    • "thought nourishes the inward mind."
  • ​Important Signers
  • Three most important phrases"
    • "all men are created equal"
    • "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"
    • "consent of the governed"
  • Titus Kaphar's Jefferson
  • Other Titus Kaphar's work
  • Ms. Mac's visits to Monticello
    • Barringer Scholar work
    • Jefferson in Paris
Homework: Finish the worksheet on the writing on the three important phrases and writing on the artwork expression on the difference between history and memory.
PRESENTATION: Washington & the Declaration of Independence
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WORKSHEET: GW and D of I
File Size: 8195 kb
File Type: pdf
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