Foundations of America introduces upper elementary students to the big ideas behind the founding of the United States. Across a sequence of short, teacher-ready lessons, students explore why the colonists declared independence, what the founders believed about liberty and self-government, and how they built a new government with the Constitution.
What students will learn
- Why the American colonies broke from Great Britain
- What the Declaration of Independence says about natural rights
- How the Constitution divides power through federalism and checks and balances
- Why civic virtue and an informed citizenry mattered to the founders
Each lesson pairs a short reading with a primary source, discussion questions and an activity, so teachers can use the lessons in order or on their own.