Activity Overview
In the early years, the growth of the United States was overshadowed by a number of battles and wars. Many of these were due to expansion, or because our nation felt the urge protect those who were in need of assistance. Whatever the cause, the effects of these conflicts undeniably shaped our nation.
When teaching a unit on a specific war or battle, have students storyboard important information and implications, including the outcomes of the armistice, defeat, or victory. In the example storyboard above, students were asked to depict and explain the following questions in each corresponding cell:
- What was the conflict?
- When and where was the conflict?
- What were the primary causes of the conflict?
- Who was involved in the conflict?
- What was the conflict's immediate outcome?
- What were the long-term outcomes?
The example and the instructions ask students to examine at the significance of the Boston Tea Party, but students can select any battle or event during the timeline of the war to analyze, and you can alter the instructions at any time! For an alternate approach to this activity, students can also use a spider map and the 5Ws (who, what when, where, why).
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes the significance of the Boston Tea Party on the American Revolution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, label "Conflict", "When/Where", "Primary Cause", "Involvement", "Immediate Outcome", and "Long Term Outcome".
- In the descriptions, answer each posed question.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Explore Multiple Perspectives in the Boston Tea Party
Introduction to Multiple Perspectives
Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of multiple perspectives in historical events. Explain to students that different people involved in an event can have varying viewpoints and experiences. Emphasize the importance of considering these perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of history.
Identifying Key Perspectives
Guide students in identifying the key perspectives relevant to the Boston Tea Party: Discuss how American colonists viewed the event as an act of protest against unfair taxation and British oppression. Explore the viewpoint of British officials who considered the Boston Tea Party an act of rebellion and sought to maintain order in the colonies. Discuss the perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in the region at the time and explain how the event impacted their communities and relationships.
Analyzing Different Perspectives
Engage students in analyzing the different perspectives: Divide students into small groups, assigning each group a specific perspective (colonists, British officials, or Indigenous peoples). Provide primary source documents, speeches, or images related to the Boston Tea Party from each perspective. Instruct groups to analyze these sources and consider the motivations, beliefs, and emotions of the individuals involved.
Reflecting on the Significance of Multiple Perspectives
Conclude the lesson by having students reflect on the significance of understanding multiple perspectives: Lead a class discussion where students share insights gained from examining different perspectives of the Boston Tea Party. Encourage students to think critically about how considering multiple perspectives enhances their understanding of historical events and fosters empathy. Discuss how the skill of examining multiple perspectives can be applied to understanding current events and issues, promoting informed citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Boston Tea Party
What types of worksheet questions or activities are effective in helping students analyze the motives and actions of the participants in the Boston Tea Party?
Effective worksheet questions and activities for analyzing the motives and actions of the participants in the Boston Tea Party often encourage critical thinking and historical inquiry. One approach is to provide primary source documents from the time, such as letters, diaries, or newspaper articles, and ask students to examine them for clues about the motivations behind the event. Questions might include, "What grievances did the American colonists express in their writings?" or "How did they justify their actions?" Additionally, activities that involve role-playing or debates can help students understand different perspectives and dilemmas faced by those involved. For example, students can take on the roles of colonists, British officials, or even indigenous peoples and discuss their viewpoints on the event. These activities foster a deeper understanding of the complex historical context and the multifaceted motivations behind the Boston Tea Party.
Are there any preserved sites or landmarks related to the Boston Tea Party that visitors can explore today?
Yes, there are several preserved sites and landmarks related to the Boston Tea Party that visitors can explore today. One of the most iconic locations is the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, which includes a replica of one of the ships involved in the event and offers interactive exhibits and reenactments. The Old South Meeting House in Boston, where the initial meetings leading to the Boston Tea Party were held, is another historic site that visitors can visit. Additionally, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum operates guided tours that take visitors to the actual site where the tea was dumped into Boston Harbor. These sites provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the Boston Tea Party and offer an immersive educational experience for those interested in this pivotal event in American history.
What are some misconceptions or myths about the Boston Tea Party that should be clarified?
There are a few misconceptions and myths surrounding the Boston Tea Party that merit clarification. One common misconception is that the participants in the Boston Tea Party were exclusively dressed as Native Americans. While some did disguise themselves as Mohawk Indians to conceal their identities, others wore a variety of attire. Another misconception is that the tea dumped into Boston Harbor during the event was immediately brewed into the harbor's waters. In reality, efforts were made to minimize damage to the harbor, and the tea was left to steep only briefly. Additionally, it's important to clarify that the Boston Tea Party was not a random act of vandalism but a carefully planned political protest with specific objectives. These clarifications help ensure a more accurate understanding of the event's historical context and significance.
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