Special Features

4th of July Lessons and Teacher Resources:

Introduction:

Independence Day commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring U.S. independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. - Wikipedia

Lesson Plans:

• Here is a 4th of July lesson involving making a simulated fireworks display
  
• This government lesson plan looks at the Declaration of Independence (and more)
  
• Here's a great lesson plan on "The Star-Spangled Banner" and some history behind it and our Flag
  
• This lesson is called "The Pledge of Allegiance" and looks at what students are saying in The Pledge of Allegiance
  
• This lesson idea focuses on what it means to be an American (or Canadian, etc.)
  
• This idea involves making song "puzzles" out of the words from Patriotic Songs
  
• This is simply a song to use in your class for Flag Day, 4th of July, or other Patriotic times
  
• This is a lesson on the American flag and its symbols
  
• Here's a brief idea for making "Fireworks Art" on construction paper
  
• This is a tremendous flag footprint idea for the patriotic holidays
  
  

• Create artful fireworks with a little paint, glitter, and a plastic hammer here
  
• This TV newscast lesson will bring the American Revolution, and your students, to life or at least to tape
  
• To complete this lesson, students create a diorama depicting a cause or effect of the American Revolution
  
• If your school hasn't made a flag on the fence with paper cups yet, you really should try this idea!
  
• Here a handprint American flag is created on a sheet
  
• These "America" poems show how gender and race influence a poet's viewpoint
  
• Here student art illustrates a patriotic song in a holiday slide show program
  
• This is an excellent lesson on national symbols that are unique to our country
  
• Use this Flag Cake idea to celebrate patriotic holidays (and science)
  
• "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" are compared in this lesson
  
  
• This web hunt shows students why and how we celebrate Independence Day
  
• This jigsaw puzzle game helps students memorize "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other songs
  
• If you want to cause a Revolutionary War in your classroom, try this candy tax lesson
  
• This patriotic collage and stained glass idea can be used for holidays throughout the year
• Toddlers and preschoolers press their hands and feet into service for this patriotic flag activity
  
  
• Not many here yet. If you have any 4th Of July lesson plans to share, please add them to our site!
  
  

Video and other Media Resources:

• PBS invites you to watch highlights of their Capitol Fourth Concerts here.
• Create your own fireworks, complete with music at this PBS site.
• This is a short video on How to Celebrate the 4th of July from 5min.com.
• eHow hosts many 4th of July offerings on firework safety and baking a flag cake.
• Download educational Independence Day music videos from School House Rock from SqoolTube.
• Treat you kids to a patriotic sing-along from NIEHS.
  

Additional Resources:

• Start your Independence Day studies with the U.S. government for fun facts, historical documents, a kid's quiz, patriotic songs, recipes, safety tips and teacher's resources.
  
  
• This super-extensive Independence Day Database was researched and compiled by James R. Heintze at Washington's American University.
  
  
• Find cool interactive activities at PBS's "A Capitol Fourth" including "History of the Fourth", "Patriotic Reflections," and especially "Fireworks and Fun."
  
  
• History.com offers a Fourth of July Minisite with a video gallery, maps of early America, and of course, the history behind the holiday.
  
  
• eHow compiled a great collection of How to Teach Children about the Fourth of July activities.
  
  
• Here is a red, white and blue science lesson plan on density from BrightHub.
  
• These are patriotic themed math worksheets Kidzone.