Rev War Battles

The Fight for Freedom

Battles of the American Revolution

A WebQuest for 5th Grade Social Studies

Introduction

"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I do not know what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" These are Patrick Henry's inspiring words when he realized that life in the colonies would never be truly free while under British rule. Can we comprehend how many lives were sacrificed so we could enjoy the life we live today?

The Fight for Freedom WebQuest was designed to look at the actions taken by an unorganized but determined group of colonists to gain the freedoms that we enjoy today. So put on your knickers, dust off your three-corner hat, and get ready to become a rebel!

Task

You and your partner(s) will research an event from the revolutionary war time period. Then you will write an essay from the perspective as if you were there using the information gathered, illustrate the event, share the information with the class, and contribute towards the class summary.

Process

1. Get together with one or two partners to work during the WebQuest research. Be wise with your time, so you will have the best chance at success.

2. Choose one of the following revolutionary war events. Only one group may work on each event, so when you choose an event, be sure to check in with the teacher.

Events

1. Battles of Lexington & Concord

2. Battle of Ticonderoga

3. Battle of Bunker Hill

4. Battle of Long Island (NYC)

5. Battle of Trenton

6. Battle of Brandywine Creek

7. Battle of Saratoga

8. Winter at Valley Forge

9. France Joins Americans

10. Battle of Charleston

11. Battle of Yorktown

12. Treaty of Paris

3. Research the event and save your notes and references (see step 6).

4. Create a presentation slide with an image to illustrate the event while you report to the class. The image should have the name of the event and the date. Also include team member names in smaller font.

5. Write an essay with the following information summarized in a personal account. The essay should be written in the first person (e.g., As the smoke rose from the battlefield on August 11, 1777, we could see that ...). Be sure to include:

- - The date(s) of the event
  - The location where it took place (city, state)
  - Why the event was significant and the outcome
  - An image of the event or participants