Classroom Content

In this lesson, students explore the life of Esther de Berdt Reed, who published “The Sentiments of an American Woman” and led a major fundraising effort for American troops during the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her compassion inspired collective action while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who won her freedom through the legal system during the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her curiosity and courage helped her challenge injustice while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Nanyehi (Nancy Ward), a Cherokee leader and peacemaker during the American Revolution. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her leadership and humanity shaped treaty negotiations while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her grit shaped her service to the Patriot cause and later role as one of the nation’s earliest female lecturers while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Anna Smith Strong, the only female member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her courage helped deliver top‐​secret information during the Revolutionary War while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this middle school lesson, students will learn the incredible story of Frederick Douglass, one of the leading human rights leaders of the 19th century. His actions and powerful words continue to inspire social justice movements advocating for equal rights for all.

In this lesson, students will understand how unjust legal systems impacted economies, using a mock‐​trial activity. Students will explore why the colonists believed fair legal rights were the key to protecting both their freedom and their finances and why they felt jury trials helped protect these.

The final lesson asks students to consider the ways The Crucible serves as an allegory, revealing the tension between unalienable rights and the social pressure to conform. After participating in learning activities that help them identify and explain elements that enhance the allegorical meaning of The Crucible, students have an opportunity to come to their own conclusions about whether or not The Crucible is relevant to our current moment.