History Isn't Just Something You Read. It's Something You Experience!
Ready to travel back to the days of the American Revolution?
The Explore the American Revolution Unit Study from Knowledge Crates takes elementary homeschoolers on a hands-on journey through one of the most important chapters in American history! From the growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain to the Declaration of Independence and the fight for freedom, kids will explore the people, events, and ideas that helped shape a new nation.
And we're doing a whole lot more than memorizing names and dates!
With four engaging books, historical simulations, STEM challenges, creative projects, and interactive activities, this unit brings American history right to your kitchen table. We've gathered the books, supplies, and activities so you can spend less time planning lessons and more time discovering history together.
No Time Machine Required. Just Open Your Crate! From Thirteen Colonies to Independence!
What would you do if you were a colonist being taxed without representation? Would you side with the Patriots or the Loyalists? And could you keep a secret if you were a spy during the Revolutionary War? It's time to find out! Through interactive activities and historical simulations, kids can step into the shoes of the people who lived through the American Revolution. Experience the frustrations of colonial taxation with a Stamp Act simulation, explore opposing viewpoints during a Patriot versus Loyalist debate, and discover the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party. Then put those engineering skills to work building a floating tea crate in a hands-on STEM challenge! Along the way, kids will explore important historical events, examine different perspectives, and begin to understand how the colonies moved toward independence.
Colonial Life, Revolutionary Soldiers & Secret Spies!
History gets a whole lot more interesting when you can experience a little of it yourself! Discover traditional colonial handicrafts by weaving on a loom, creating handmade parchment, and practicing writing with a quill and ink. Then get ready to train like a Revolutionary soldier! Explore military life, follow drill commands, and learn about the challenges soldiers faced during the war. And what would the American Revolution be without a little espionage? At Spy School, kids will experiment with invisible ink, crack secret codes, and create hidden messages while learning about the important role spies played during the Revolution.
Four Books That Bring History to Life!
This unit includes four books that introduce the American Revolution through historical information, important documents, and engaging storytelling. Explore the people, battles, and events of the Revolutionary War with DK Eyewitness: American Revolution and The Revolutionary War by Elizabeth Raum. Discover the ideas behind independence with The Declaration of Independence by Elaine Landau. Then experience the human side of the Revolution through The Winter of Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory, a historical fiction story set during the winter at Valley Forge. Together, these books help kids connect historical facts with the experiences of the people who lived through them.
Explore the Documents That Shaped a Nation!
What does freedom mean? Why do we have a Constitution? And what rights are protected by the Bill of Rights? With the included Charters of Freedom activities, kids will explore three important founding documents through hands-on investigation. Become a Document Detective while examining the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Create a personal declaration, rewrite the Preamble in your own words, and explore the ideas of liberty, government, and individual rights. An ongoing American Revolution map helps students connect important events and battles with the places where they happened.
Build It. Create It. Make History!
There's plenty of creativity mixed into this history lesson!
- Build a 3D wooden ship while exploring the war at sea, create a mixed-media Liberty Bell art project, and make an American flag pillow inspired by the symbols of the United States.
- Practice multiplication with the Capture Bunker Hill game, explore French connections to the Revolution, and work through interactive reading activities that challenge kids to make decisions.
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To finish the unit, students will create a Road to Revolution Quadrama, bringing together four important moments from the American Revolution in a creative, four-sided visual timeline.
It's a wonderful way to look back at everything they've learned and share their favorite discoveries.
American History, Without the Textbook Feeling!
The American Revolution is filled with opportunities to explore history, geography, government, literature, mathematics, science, and art. This unit brings those subjects together through activities that encourage kids to ask questions, examine evidence, solve problems, and think about the past from different perspectives. It's designed for elementary homeschoolers in grades 2–5, with a flexible six-week plan that families can follow or adjust to fit their schedule. Whether you're celebrating Independence Day, exploring America's founding during the school year, or continuing your America 250 learning, this unit makes American history something kids can experience rather than simply memorize.
So gather your young historians, open your crate, and get ready to explore the American Revolution!
Additional Information:
Contains art supplies, activity materials, and small components. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Contents are not for consumption. Adult supervision is recommended when appropriate. Individual items may vary based on availability. Any substitutions should provide a comparable learning experience.
