Contributions of Citizens Who
Defended American Principles
Session 3: Contributions of Thomas Jefferson

Materials

• Teacher-selected book about Thomas Jefferson
• Pictures of Thomas Jefferson

Instructional Activities

1. Show students pictures of Thomas Jefferson. Ask students what they know about Thomas Jefferson. Write their responses on a KWL chart about Thomas Jefferson under “What We Know.” Graphic organizer Web sites:
   •    <http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/>  
   •    <http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm>
   
   
2. Read a teacher-selected book about Thomas Jefferson. Lead a classroom discussion about Thomas Jefferson with information from “A Day in the Life of Thomas Jefferson” at <http://www.monticello.org/>.
   
   
3. Fill in the What We Learned section of the KWL chart. Emphasize the following information:
   •    Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia.
   •    He was the third President of the United States.
   •    Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which states that people have certain rights.
   •    He was a leader who helped develop the country.
   
   
4. Have students draw a picture of Thomas Jefferson and write one important fact about him under the picture. Save this page to make a Famous Americans booklet.
   
   
5. Share primary source documents from books and Web sites about the writings of Thomas Jefferson.
   
   
6. Create a timeline on Thomas Jefferson’s life. The following Web sites may be helpful:
   •    Thomas Jefferson. U.S. Presidents United in Service <http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/tj3.html>
   •    Meet Amazing American Thomas Jefferson
   <http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/jefferson>