Notable Presidents
Grade 4 by Erin Melville
Lesson Plan Details
Duration: 120 minutes total from the initial lesson through the presentations
Social Sciences: Government, History
Concepts: Students will be able to learn more about the Presidents who made an impact on the
history of the United States of America by researching a previous president while working
together in groups, resulting in social understanding.
Vocabulary:
1. Notable: a famous or important person worthy of attention or notice
2. Founding Father: A person who helped draft the U.S. Constitution in 1787
3. Emancipation Proclamation: an order that freed slaves in January of 1863
4. United States Constitution: document that states laws and principles by which the United
States is governed
5. Amendment: an article added to the U.S. Constitution
6. Historian: an expert in or student of history
Skills: social skills (working in groups), research, public speaking, teamwork
Goals of Lesson: Having a broad understanding on the impact of voting during Presidential
Elections. Student will see how presidential candidates have made a difference over the years
and how these presidents have impacted the world we live in today.
Integration of Learning Outcomes/Objectives
Students will research and highlight facts about a noteable President. Students will then be
able to work together in finding historical documents or artifacts and create a visual that will then
be shared with the class.
Standards
1. Standard - 8.3.4.C Explain how continuity and change in U.S. history have influenced personal
development and identity.
2. Standard - 8.3.4.B Locate historical documents, artifacts, and places critical to United States
history
NCSS Themes & Sub-Themes:
Time, Continuity, & Change
People, Places, & Environment
Power, Authority, & Governance
Civic Ideals & Practices
NCSS Sub-Themes:
Attitudes & Values: Being committed to the public values of this society as suggested in
its historical documents, laws, court decisions, & oaths.
Skills:
1. Democratic Participations Skills: Participating in group discussions of public issues,
working cooperatively to clarify a task or plan group work
2. Study & Inquiry Skills: Location, reading, & analyzing information from a variety of
resources, writing reports & giving oral presentations
Anticipatory Set
Show a google docs slide on the Smart Board of 10 notable presidents. Ask the students if any of
these faces look familiar and if anyone knows who they are looking at. See slide at:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kisgjrQCcFUCizLsBG4jIUkVMATYO9kWGlUMZafL
R5Q/edit?usp=sharing
Procedures
After showing the slide of the Presidents pictures and the students have stated whether they
know who they are looking at, tell the class that these pictures are of 10 most notable Presidents
in American History. The next slide will have the Presidents pictures, along with their names
(click on next slide after the students have responded to the 1st slide).
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kisgjrQCcFUCizLsBG4jIUkVMATYO9kWGlUMZafL
R5Q/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher: Can anyone tell me what notable means?
Allow a minute for students to answer and then state the meaning
Teacher: Notable, in this case, is a famous or important person worthy of attention or notice.
Here are 10 presidents that we are all going to learn about (point to the 2nd slide thats still
showing). Lets talk about George Washington. Does anyone know why he would be considered
important or notable?
Allow 2 or 3 minutes for students to respond
Click on next slide of George Washington
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kisgjrQCcFUCizLsBG4jIUkVMATYO9kWGlUMZafL
R5Q/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher: George Washington was the 1st President of the United States. Weve been learning
about how the Government works and how voting can impact the present times and even the
future. George Washington drafted the United States Constitution.Weve all heard about the
United States Constitution; can someone tell me what that is?
Allow students to answer. If needed, reiterate the meaning. United States Constitution is a
document that states laws and principles by which the United States is governed. Put
more simply, its a document with rules and principles that tell American citizens how to
act and behave.
Teacher: He also had a new national capital built which was named Washington D.C. in his
honor. How many of you have been to Washington D.C.? Washington D.C. has been the home of
our President(s) since it was built. Thats pretty neat, right? To know that Washington D.C. has
been around for hundreds of years and it all started with one man. By a show of hands, how
many of you have been to Valley Forge National Park?
Click on next slide of Valley Forge National Park
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kisgjrQCcFUCizLsBG4jIUkVMATYO9kWGlUMZafL
R5Q/edit?usp=sharing
Students will raise their hands
Teacher: Great! Remember those buildings you have seen in the park? And the cannon that is just
over a small hill? George Washington led an army during the Revolutionary War. He and his
army fought the British in Valley Forge and won! It was because of us winning the
Revolutionary War that we are an independent country today. If George Washington had not won
that war, we may not be the country that we are today. Had George Washington not been
President, we may not have the United States Constitution. Do you think that makes him
notable?
Allow students to agree or voice any opinions.
Teacher: I think George Washington made a huge impact on how this country continued to grow.
Lets talk about someone else. Has anyone heard of Abraham Lincoln?
Click on slide of Abraham Lincoln
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kisgjrQCcFUCizLsBG4jIUkVMATYO9kWGlUMZafL
R5Q/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. We have been learning
about the economy and how it has changed over time. Abraham Lincoln was the one who started
rapidly developing banks, canals, and railroads which would help grow our country. Canals and
railroads allow us to transport important materials needed for planting, mining, building
structures. Banks allow us to place money in a safe place and also provide loans if we need them.
Teacher: There was another war called The Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War took
place here in the United States. At the time, there were only 34 states in 1861 and eight of those
declared to be separate from the others, causing a war to break out. Abraham Lincoln was
President and those 8 states lost the war. During that time, slavery was a big deal. Abraham
Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation which was an order that freed slaves in January
of 1863. Not only did Abraham Lincoln help grow our economy, but he is also responsible for
ending slavery. Do you think that makes him notable?
Allow students to respond
Teacher: Now you are all going to become a Historian yourself! A Historian is an expert in or a
student of history. You are all going to be divided into groups so you can work together. You are
going to research and highlight facts about a notable President that were on the 1st slide I
showed you. You will then be able to work together in finding historical documents or artifacts
and create a visual that will then be shared with the class. I want you to look for these following
things:
On the dry erase board, write:
1. Name of President
2. Date of presidency
3. What # president they were. (2nd? 10th? 24th?)
4. Two or three notable facts or highlights
Teacher: There are 8 more presidents that are most notable. Im going to divide you into groups
of 3 and then will assign you each a president. Make sure you write down the required
information to share with the class. I showed you three highlights about George Washington and
Abraham Lincoln. I now want you to do the same for the President you are researching.
Divide students into groups of three. Assign three students who struggle the most together
so that the teacher can work more closely with this group.
Have 8 Presidents written on 8 pieces of paper that are folded up. After the students are
divided in their groups, have 1 student from each group pull a piece of paper from a paper
bag or box. The President's name that was pulled is the President that group will begin
researching. The other 8 Presidents are the ones on the initial slide: Franklin Roosevelt,
Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, John F.
Kennedy, Woodrow Wilson, Barack Obama)
The students will be encouraged to use the computer, books within the classroom, and the
library to find the necessary information.
Allow 45 minutes for students to find all the information they need.
The students will then create a visual to present to the class. The teacher will have
supplied poster boards for the students to write on, draw, or paste pictures they have
obtained from their research.
Students will then show their visual, as a group, to the rest of the class and discuss what
highlights they have learned about the President they were studying.
Differentiation
By using the slides from Google docs, students will have a visual along with what the teacher is
describing so that both oral and visual learners are catered to.
For the advanced learners, offer a bonus question relating to the President they are
studying: Why do you think this President was a good or bad President? Explain your
answer in a paragraph form.
Allow bullet points for the visual boards. There is no wrong way to create the visual
board as long as the students understand the concept and have found the required
information. Allow the students to be creative!
There are 3 choices for the visual presentations: writing, drawing, pasting pictures from
the internet or photocopied from a book
ELL students: have a parent volunteer or use physical objects to help explain the desired
result
Pass out a vocabulary sheet with the definitions on them. This vocabulary sheet will
benefit both ELL and those with an IEP.
Closure
After the groups have all presented, have the students go back to their assigned seats. Ask the
class as a whole, Do you now understand why it is important to vote in todays society based on
all you have learned?
Teacher: I want you to take a few minutes and write down what you think makes a good
President. What would be something that you would vote for?
Allow students 10 minutes to write down their thoughts. This can either be in paragraph
form or bullet pointed.
Assessment of Students
Formative:
Students participation during the slides of George Washington & Abraham Lincoln.
Participation within their groups: do they appear to be sharing ideas? Helping the others
locate facts?
Summative:
The visual boards presented to the class
The written statement at the end of the lesson, as described in the closure.
Materials/Equipment:
Smart Board
Dry Erase Board
Laptop (to pull slides from)
Dry Erase markers
Poster boards
Markers, crayons, glue
Books on Presidents such as Encyclopedias or other historical books
Computers with internet access
Paper and pens or pencils
Global Connection
If I had more time with this lesson, I would also incorporate this web link:
http://www.jjmccullough.com/charts_rest_female-leaders.php
Because the presidents covered in this lesson are all men, I want to assure the class that that does
not mean women are not capable of becoming someone of greatness as well. As evidenced in
these other countries, it is more common now (compared to the earlier 1900s) for women to be
elected into higher leadership roles.
NOTABLE PRESIDENTS: TEACHER NOTES
1. George Washington
2. Abraham Lincoln
3. Franklin Roosevelt
4. Theodore Roosevelt
5. Grover Cleveland
6. Thomas Jefferson
7. Andrew Jackson
8. John F. Kennedy
9. Woodrow Wilson
10. Barack Obama
George Washington:
1 President, April 1789-March 1797
ST
Major figure in the establishment of the U.S. during and following the Revolutionary War
Known as one of the founding fathers, he replaced the Articles of Confederation by
drafting the United States Constitution.
Established the framework of the national executive branch
Oversaw the work to build a new national capital, which was named Washington D.C. in
his honor
Led the continental army during the Revolutionary War to many victories over the British
including the victory at Valley Forge
By declining a 3 term, he set the precedent of a two-term limit (now the 22 Amendment
rd nd
to the constitution)
In foreign affairs, Washington was a huge proponent of neutrality. He declared the
Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 which stated that the US would be impartial toward
belligerent powers currently in a war. This upset some who felt we owed a greater allegiance to
France. His belief in neutrality was reiterated during his Farewell Address in 1796 where he
warned against foreign entanglements. This warning became part of the American political
landscape.
Washington signed Jay's Treaty which gave away the United States' right to neutrality of
the seas allowing the British to search and seize anything they found on American ships traveling
into ports of Britain's enemies. In return, the British withdrew from outposts in the Northwest
Territory. This forestalled further conflict with Great Britain until 1812.
In 1795, Pinckney's Treaty helped relations with Spain by creating a boundary between the
United States and Spanish held Florida. Further, the US was allowed to travel the entire
Mississippi for the purpose of trade.
Abraham Lincoln:
16 President, term March 1861 until his assassination in April of 1865
th
Initiation of the Emancipation Proclamation & worked for the 13 Amendment to ban
th
slavery. He took various steps to end the slavery in his country as he protected escaped slaves
using army while also encouraging the Border States to outlaw slavery.
Led the United States during the American Civil War
He started rapid development of the economy while building banks, canals and railroads.
He granted tariffs to encourage the establishment of factories.
He opposed the war declaration against Mexico in 1846.
He was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at point-blank range in Fords Theater in 1865.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR):
32 President, elected 4 times until his death in April of 1945 (term March 1933-1945)
nd
Democrat
Started his presidency during The Great Depression. He got congress to pass laws which
helped farmers, small businesses and people who were about to lose their homes during that
time.
Built the New Deal Coalition that has dominated the American politics after 1932
Defined the liberalism of the nation in 20th century.
He led the United States during a time of worldwide economic depression and became the
central figure in worlds political events.
Led the Allies during the World War II with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin against
Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Japan.
Created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for economic security in 1933.
WWII commenced after The Great Depression. He wanted the allies to win to protect
democracy all over the world so he sent more and more supplies to the British to overcome the
forces which threatened freedom. America eventually joined in the war.
He saw the USA through two grave crises (The Great Depression & WWII). His last great
achievement was to lay the foundation of what would later be the UN.
Theodore Roosevelt:
26 President, term September 1901-March 1909
th
Republican Party & founder of the Progressive Party
His face was sculpted on Mount Rushmore along with Thomas Jefferson, Abraham
Lincoln and George Washington.
Earned the title of Trust Buster by fighting against corrupt businesses
Got congress to pass laws which protected the people from impure food and drugs and
forced the owners of the coal mines during that time to pay better wages to its laborers.
The 1 president to lead a conservation project. Established numerous national parks to
st
preserve wildlife and over 125 million acres of national forests so the land would not be
overtaken through industrialization
His domestic policies, Square Deal, included the reduction of railroad rates,
guaranteeing pure food and scheduled drugs along with breaking up capitalism.
A firm believer in having a strong navy, he got congress to build new battleships and
cruisers. Built the Panama Canal with the objective that the navy could move easily from one
ocean to the other and also for trade purposes.
Grover Cleveland:
Only president to serve two non-consecutive presidential terms as the 22nd and 24th
President of the United States. Terms: 1885-1889 and 1893-1897
Democrat who opposed high tariffs & imperialism
Reformed the federal government and at the same improved civil service to get better
workers
Scrutinized every bill the congress passed and vetoed many of them which he thought
werent beneficial to his countrymen.
The Panic of 1893 hit the nation during his second term of presidency, which produced
national depressions. Those depressions ruined his Democratic Party and opened way to the
Republican landslide in 1894
Thomas Jefferson:
3 President & founding father, term March 1801-March 1809
rd
Stepped down as president, believing that no one should run for more than two terms for
democracy to be sustained in the land of the free.
Principal author of The Declaration of Independence in 1776
Started the Revolution of 1800 where he regained control of Louisiana Territory from
France, stretching from the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains and henceforth doubled the
size of his country
Conducted the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the west.
Initiated the removal of Indian tribal from Louisiana Territory to accommodate more free
lands to the eventual American settlers.
Only president to serve two full terms in office without vetoing a single bill of Congress
Andrew Jackson:
7th President, term March 1829-March 1837
Trail of Tears: the removal of native Americans east of the Mississippi
Defeated the British in the War of 1812. Famous for winning the Battle of New Orleans
(final major battle in the War of 1812)
Played a paramount role in taking Florida from Spain
The Tariff act was passed in 1832, which would be significant to Americas economy
forever
John F. Kennedy:
35 President, term 1961-1963 when he was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Texas
th
established the Peace Corps in order to help the undeveloped nations
Cuban Missile Crisis: He wanted to improve his countrys relation with the then Soviet
Union but it was to no avail as the all powerful congress thought otherwise. This became further
unrealistic when the Russians started to send missiles to Cuba. This brought the two countries to
the verge of war but Kennedy was determined to avoid it at all cost and diffused all the tensions
African-American Civil Rights Movement - activists & leaders, bother male & female,
devoted their lives to end slavery, segregation and unfair treatment to men and women
Bay of Pigs Invasion: On April 17, 1961, around 1,200 exiles, armed with American
weapons and using American landing craft, waded ashore at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. The hope
was that the exile force would serve as a rallying point for the Cuban citizenry, who would rise
up and overthrow Castros government. The plan immediately fell apartthe landing force met
with unexpectedly rapid counterattacks from Castros military. The tiny Cuban air force sank
most of the exiles supply ships. United States refrained from providing necessary air support and
the expected uprising never happened. Over 100 of the attackers were killed, and more than
1,100 were captured.
Joined the Space Race and Moon landing by initiating Apollo project.
During his presidency, he increased involvement of the U.S.A in the Vietnam War.
Building of the Berlin Wall - Closely connected to the erection of the Berlin Wall where he
appointed retired General Lucius D. Clay in response.
Woodrow Wilson:
28 President, term March 1913-March 1921
th
Led America during WWI. Maintained neutral policy during the outbreak of WWI
Made the first steps of leading us out of isolationism, violating Washington's tenet of
avoiding foreign entanglements. His hope was for the U.S. to join a League of Nations, the
precursor to the United Nations
When world war one started his aim was clearly to stay out of it, he instead looked forward
to help the warring countries to make peace. When German submarines bombed American ships
in the Atlantic without warning, the USA was engaged in the war. More than anything else
Wilson wanted this to be a war to end all the wars. Even at the time of fighting, he drew up his
famous 14 Point Peace plan. The most important of these called for a League of Nations which
would settle future rifts between nations. Germany had surrendered and the League of Nations
was formed. But without the approval of the U.S senate America couldnt join and without the
USA the body was rendered useless. But Wilson kept traveling around the country making
speeches in favor of the league. He left a legacy for peace
Legislative agenda included Federal Trade Commission Act, the Federal Farm Loan Act,
Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.
Child labor was first restricted by his KeatingOwen Act in United nation.
Barack Obama:
44 President, term 2008-2016
th
1 African-American President in the United States
st
Affordable Care Act (also known as Obama care) became law in 2010. The law attempted
to solve the problems of health care coverage in the country by increasing the age at which
children may stay on their parents' plan (until the age of 26) and eliminating pre-existing
conditions as a disqualification for insurance
The Budget Control Act of 2011 prevented the government from going into default and
also attempted to decrease government spending.
The repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy allowed openly gay soldiers to serve in the
military.
Gave the green light for the U.S. Navy SEALs to take down Osama Bin Laden, who was
hiding in Pakistan. Bin Laden was behind the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City
Publicly supported same-sex marriage
Female soldier roles were expanded to now allow them to fight in combat (Dec. 3, 2015)
Teacher performance evaluations no longer based off student test results after passage of
the Every Student Succeeds Act (Dec. 10, 2015)
Restores diplomatic relationship with Cuba after 50 year freeze
Resources:
http://listverse.com/2008/07/10/top-10-outstanding-us-presidents/ July 10, 2008
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/uspresidents/tp/toppresidents.htm May 6, 2016
http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-influential-presidents-of-united-states/
http://topyaps.com/top-10-famous-presidents-of-america September 4, 2010
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-bay-of-pigs-invasion-begins
http://us-presidents.insidegov.com/q/2/9699/What-were-President-Barack-Obama-s-
accomplishments
http://www.democratichub.com/obama-administration-accomplishments
https://www.reference.com/history/obama-s-biggest-accomplishments-3cc87414cb893b8?
qo=cdpArticles#
http://www.biography.com/people/barack-obama-12782369#!
Objectives:
1. Students will be able to explain how continuity and change in U.S. history have influenced
personal development and identity by (insert how)
Upon research, students will be able to locate historical documents, artifacts, and places critical
to United States history and discuss these articles in their presentations.
