This curriculum covers the period in New York and American history from the 1600s to the American Revolution. Students will compare everyday life in colonial New York to that of today, study the various viewpoints of the American Revolution, and learn what was life like for soldiers in the American Revolution.
In preparation for a field trip to Van Cortlandt Manor, students learn about the similarities and differences between life in Colonial New York and present day.
Students visit Van Cortlandt Manor and take part in hands-on activities including open hearth cooking, colonial games, and colonial painting. They are asked to compare what they have learned about life in colonial New York to life in present day New York by using a Venn diagram.
After visiting Van Cortlandt Manor students write an expository essay comparing and contrasting colonial period life to present day life. They use notes taken in Venn diagram form during their visit to the manor, as well as information shared in group discussion.
In preparation for a field trip to the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, students study the geography of the thirteen colonies to understand the significance of New York's location during the American Revolution.
Students visit New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site to understand what life was like for soldiers stationed at the cantonment during the Revolutionary War.
Students create PowerPoint presentations using information gathered on a field trip to New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site.
In preparation for a field trip to Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site the class reads a book about Patriots and Loyalists during the Revolutionary War, then creates a T-chart examining the differing viewpoints of the Patriots and Loyalists.
During a field trip to Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, students record information about either the Loyalist or Patriot point of view. The information they record will be used for a post-visit debate.
After a visit to Washington's Headquarters State Historic site students use information gathered before and during the field trip to role play in a debate and to write a persuasive essay about the Patriot and Loyalist viewpoints.