Grade Level

8th Grade

Duration

40 minutes

Class Size

50 students

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

Reading Informational Text (RI.8.1, RI.8.3, RI.8.4)

• RI.8.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of a primary or secondary source.
• RI.8.3: Analyze how a text makes connections among individuals, events, and ideas.
• RI.8.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to history/social studies.

Speaking & Listening (SL.8.1, SL.8.4)

• SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
• SL.8.4: Present claims and findings clearly, emphasizing salient points.

Writing (W.8.2)

• W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic clearly.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Explain key aspects of George Washington’s presidency including his precedents, creation of the Cabinet, the Judiciary Act of 1789, and the Whiskey Rebellion.
2. Identify important founding fathers involved during Washington’s administration and their influence.
3. Analyze the significance of Washington’s actions in shaping the executive branch and the federal government.
4. Use textual evidence to support understanding of these historical events and terms.
5. Collaborate in discussion and create a visual drawing to demonstrate comprehension of topics.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for displaying images/drawings
• Printed primary source excerpts (Washington’s Farewell Address, Whiskey Rebellion reports)
• Drawing paper and colored markers/crayons
• Student notebooks or journals

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Begin by projecting a simplified portrait of George Washington with a speech bubble (custom made).
• Ask students to think: “What would it be like to be the first president of the United States? What big decisions would you need to make?”
• Briefly review Washington’s role as a founding father and first president.
• State learning objectives clearly: “Today we’re uncovering key parts of Washington’s presidency that shaped the U.S. government.”

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2. Direct Instruction (10 minutes)

Using the projector and whiteboard, present these topics with visual aids:

a) Washington’s Precedents

• Explain “precedent” and discuss examples (two-term limit, “Mr. President,” neutrality in foreign affairs).
• Show a short illustrated timeline with these precedents.

b) The Cabinet

• Define the Cabinet; mention key figures (Alexander Hamilton - Treasury, Thomas Jefferson - State, Henry Knox - War).
• Use a quick drawing of Washington in front of his Cabinet team.

c) Judiciary Act of 1789

• Explain the establishment of the federal court system including the Supreme Court.
• Include an image of the U.S. Supreme Court building with a quick labeled diagram showing court levels.

d) Whiskey Rebellion

• Discuss the rebellion as a test of federal authority against tax protestors.
• Display a cartoon-style drawing showing farmers protesting and Washington leading troops.

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3. Guided Practice & Group Work (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Split students into 10 groups of 5.
• Each group receives a short primary source excerpt or summarized fact sheet on one topic (Precedents, Cabinet, Judiciary Act, Whiskey Rebellion, Other Founders like Hamilton/Jefferson).

Task:

• Read and discuss the excerpt within the group.
• Create a quick drawing or infographic on a large sheet reflecting their assigned topic as a visual teaching tool. Encourage creativity—visual metaphors, icons, and labels!

Teacher circulates to facilitate discussion, answering questions and prompting deeper thinking.

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4. Group Presentations (7 minutes)

• Each group presents their drawing and explains key points (1 minute each).
• Promote peer questions after each presentation (SL.8.1).
• Highlight main takeaways and clarify any confusion.

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5. Wrap-Up & Exit Ticket (3 minutes)

• Students individually write a 2-3 sentence explanation in notebooks answering: “Why was George Washington’s presidency important for shaping the future U.S. government?”
• Collect notebooks or have a few volunteers share answers aloud.
• Reinforce the idea that Washington’s leadership set the foundation still relevant today.

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Assessment

• Group infographic/drawing quality and accuracy.
• Participation in discussion and presentation (speaking/listening standards).
• Exit tickets assessing comprehension of Washington’s impact.

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Differentiation & Accommodation

• Provide simplified primary source excerpts for struggling readers.
• Allow advanced students to add additional founding fathers or related historical events to their group’s discussion.
• Use peer mentoring within groups to support diverse learners.

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Extension Ideas (Optional for Homework or Enrichment)

• Research another founding father’s role during Washington’s presidency and write a short paragraph.
• Create a comic strip retelling the Whiskey Rebellion or cabinet meetings.

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Teacher Tips for ‘Wow’ Factor

• Use custom-made, hand-drawn style slides or posters to engage visual learners.
• Encourage students to use symbols and colors in drawings to connect emotionally with history.
• For a tech-savvy class, allow using tablets to create digital infographics or animations summarizing their topic.

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This lesson plan balances foundational history knowledge with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and clear alignment to Common Core standards.