What's the Verdict?

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

Process

Classroom Day 1:

Understanding Your Event

1.  In a group of 2, complete the following:

• Choose an event to research (choose from those in red):

Timeline:

1651 – Navigation Acts

 1750’s – Writs of Assistance – These tie in with various events

 1763 – End of French and Indian War (Proclamation of 1763)

 1764 – Sugar Act

 1765 – Stamp Acts

 1765 – One of two Quartering Acts - Colonials had to make room at their inns and other buildings for the redcoats
1767 – The Townshend Acts

 1768 – British station two regiments of soldiers in Boston

 1770 – Boston Massacre/Crispus Attucks died

 1770 – Parliament takes away some taxes but the tax on tea remained 1773 – Parliament gives the British East India Company exclusive rights to sell tea to the colonies – this would drive up prices.

 1773 - December 16 - the Boston Tea Party takes place in Boston Harbor
1774 - March 24 - Coercive or Intolerable Acts - The 2nd Quartering Act is included under the Coercive or Intolerable Acts 

2.  Complete an Inspiration web on your event or use this word document web.  You need to understand the basics of your event BEFORE you choose to either be a Patriot or a Loyalist.  Use your background knowledge first to fill in your Inspiration web.  If get stuck, use any of these links below to help you.  (Go to the Start menu and all programs to find Inspiration.)

• ABC-Clio - American Revolution includes many of the acts/events.
• Encylopedia Brittanica - Includes many of the acts/events.
• Social Studies for Kids - Good basic information on many events.  Put together by an educator.
  

Include answers to the following in your web.  When your group finishes, print it out and show it to your teacher.

1. What is your event?
2. When did it happen?
3. Where did it occur?  Give specific site names and locations.
4. Why did it occur?
5. Who was involved?
6. What is the importance of your event?  
7. What was the result or outcome of your event?  What or who did it impact?

Library Days 2-3:

Preparing for the Witness Stand

3.  Now decide where your loyalties lie?  Each member of your group must choose a perspective in which to research your event.  (Now you will be working against your partner to make your case.)  Choose from the following:

Will you choose to be a rebel...a Patriot like Patrick Henry?

"Give me liberty or give me death" and "If this be treason, make the most of it" are two of the most famous phrases attributed to Patrick Henry, one of America's greatest public speakers and early patriots.

Or will you choose to remain loyal to God and the Crown, a Loyalist?

  "Why would a man risk everything- even his life to rebel against his own government?" 

4.  In order to prepare for your appearance in court you must first do some research.  Use these sites and take good notes so you are prepared for the questions that will be asked of you on the witness stand.  Remember, you are seeing this event through the eyes of either a Patriot or a Loyalist!  (Now you are working against your partner.)

Gather Your Evidence

• As you research, answer the following questions about your event:
  1. What were the causes of this event which support your position?
  2. What were the effects of this event which support your position?  (In other words, what were the results of your event?  What people did it impact?  What other events did it put into motion?) 
  3. What role did King George and/or Parliament have in this event?  
  4. What other people or events before or after your act/event would support your position?  (Sons of Liberty)
  5. Find 2 quotes (primary source) which support your point of view.  Explain why these quotes are important for your side. 
• Use this notetaker to record your evidence. 
• Use these sites to help you gather information on your event:

Back in the Classroom

Your Day in Court

5.  Sign up with your teacher for your presentation day.

Interview Questions - Taking the Witness Stand

6.  Be prepared to use your research evidence (notes) to answer the following questions on the witness stand:

King George Trial Questions

Writs of Assistance (Patriots)

Writs of Assistance (Loyalists)

The Jury

7.  As each witness presents their point of view on the event, take jury notes.  These will help you when voting and completing your final assessment - "The Verdict."