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Fourth of July

Boom! Bang! Crash! Ooh, Aha! I'm as hot as a firecracker! Why not come indoors and learn something about the Fourth of July?

• Teachers: Children and fireworks and picnics - talk about a motivating topic to get your class involved in research. Seize the day and get them thinking like a historian, a mathematician or a scientist as they learn about this summer celebration.
• Parents: Share the reason we celebrate our independence on July 4th by exploring these sites with your children.

Indiana Academic Standards
English/Language Arts

Standard 4: Writing Process/Research and Technology

English/Language Arts

Standard 7: Listening and Speaking

Social Studies

Standard 1: History

Social Studies

Standard 5: Individuals, Society, and Culture

A Capitol Fourth

visit this site
Sponsored by PBS, this site will link you to the history of the 4th, a timeline of historic events occurring on the Fourth of July and a nation-wide event commemorating this historical occurrence.

Suggested Activities for Students

1. Visit the area titled "History of the Fourth" to read important information related to this topic below. As you read, record your thoughts about how these historical events influenced the making of our Independence celebration.
   1. General History of the 4th
   2. Old Glory's History
   3. July 4th Timeline
   4. L'Enfant and the National Mall
   5. Biography of John Philip Sousa
   6. Notable Sousa Events
   7. Stars and Stripes Forever
2. Visit the section "Presidents Reflect" and read the 4th of July speeches made by four US Presidents.
3. Explore "Fireworks and Fun." Be sure to listen to all three song selections when you "create your own fireworks."

Tips for Teachers

Preview the student links listed above. Create a glossary of challenging words for student use as they explore this site. Have them write a story about what our life would be like today if the Declaration of Independence had never been written.

Tips for Parents

Explore this site with your child. Create a poster with your child about the freedoms we enjoy in America.

Charters of Freedom: Declaration of Independence

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Created by the U.S. National Archives & Records Administration, this wonderfully interactive site allows you to explore the history prior to and following the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Suggested Activity for Students

1. Read the short description of who drafted our symbol of liberty, then view the document, "The Declaration of Independence." You can print the image and read a transcription of this famous document, too.
2. Under the heading, "Learn More about the Declaration," explore the following:
   1. The History of the Declaration
   1. What significant role did the "Lee Resolution" play in the penning of the Declaration?
   2. Who were "The Committee of Five," and what role did they have in the creation of this document?
   2. The Declaration of Independence as an example of persuasive writing.
   1. Read the article, "The Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence," to explore the reasons why this document is exemplary not only for historical merit but for artistic style.
   2. Now try your hand at writing a persuasive article.
3. Select the button titled "Join the Signers of the Declaration." You can add your name to the ranks of the 56 original signers who stood for freedom and then print off your copy to show friends and family.

Tips for Teachers

Preview the student links listed above, have students create 3 riddles based on their research - one riddle for each of the following categories: historical facts, mental math, scientific evidence. When all the riddles are written, have a July 4th Riddle Contest!

Explore the links at the top of this site labeled "Making of the Charters," "The Constitution," "The Bill of Rights" and "Impact of the Charters."

Tips for Parents

Explore the sites with your child, then select one of the activities listed and help your child complete it. While you're working on the activity, take the opportunity to discuss with your child what this statement means to you, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Additional Fourth of July Activities

Guidelines for Displaying a Flag

Explore suggestions and guidelines for displaying the American flag. visit this site

Family Corner's Fourth of July Activities

Puzzles, craft ideas, safety and food are just a few resources this site includes! visit this site

Fourth of July Theme

This site provides links to arts and crafts, activities, fun and games, pintables, and more! visit this site

Do's and Don't of Firework Safety

Find firework safety recommendations here. visit this site

Billy Bear's Fourth of July

This site has freebies for July 4th, including screen savers, wallpaper, stationery, greeting cards, games and downloads. visit this site

Enchanted Learning: 4th of July Arts and Crafts

Make simple July 4th crafts with things found around the house (for kindergarten, preschool, and elementary aged kids). visit this site

Kaboose: 4th of July

This site is designed primarily for celebrating the 4th of July. However, many of the materials can be used for other patriotic celebrations. visit this site

Suggested Activity for Students

Visit one or more of the sites listed above. Make a list of your "favorites" and share them with your classmates.

Tips for Teachers

Include these sites as part of your end of school year newsletter or as an email "summer assignment" from the teacher. Have them email you the list of sites they liked best.

Tips for Parents

Help your child rank the sites from their favorite to their least favorite. Discuss each site and why they liked it or not. These kinds of casual conversations can help you understand how your child thinks and can frequently give you tips for birthday or holiday gifts.

Buddy² Resource Links

Visit additional resources that are on our site as you develop your Fourth of July thematic unit:

4th of July Computer Capers