Unit 1: Lammas
The American Dream: Colonial to Revolution
5 weeks (Aug 4 – Sept 5) • 7th Principle: Interdependent Web
Unit Overview
As Lammas celebrates the first grain harvest, we harvest the ideas that planted the seeds of American independence. This unit traces the colonial period through the Declaration of Independence, examining how Enlightenment philosophy combined with colonial experience to create revolutionary change. In physics, we begin our study of mechanics—the fundamental laws governing motion and force.
Literature Focus
Colonial writers, Franklin, Paine, Declaration of Independence
Math Focus
Algebra II review, systems of equations, polynomials intro
Science Focus
Introduction to physics, kinematics, Newton's Laws (1 & 2)
History Focus
Colonial America, Enlightenment, Road to Revolution
Weekly Lesson Plans
The Colonial Mind
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Opening ritual: Lighting the Lammas candle. Discuss the harvest of ideas—what seeds of thought were planted in colonial America?
📚 Language Arts
Introduction to Colonial American Literature. Read excerpts from William Bradford's 'Of Plymouth Plantation.' Discuss Puritan worldview and writing style.
📐 Math (Algebra II)
Algebra II review: Linear equations and inequalities. Real-world applications using colonial trade data.
⚡ Science (Physics)
Physics introduction: What is physics? The scientific method. Observation vs. inference. Galileo and the birth of modern physics.
🏛️ History
Colonial America overview: Why did people come? Religious freedom, economic opportunity, adventure. Map the 13 colonies.
🎨 Art
Create a colonial-style sampler with meaningful symbols. Discuss folk art traditions.
🏃 Movement
Contra dancing—colonial social dances that built community.
Voices of Dissent
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Discuss the 7th Principle: How are all things connected? How did colonial actions affect Indigenous peoples?
📚 Language Arts
Anne Bradstreet—America's first published poet. Read 'To My Dear and Loving Husband' and 'Upon the Burning of Our House.' Compare Puritan and modern perspectives on loss.
📐 Math (Algebra II)
Systems of linear equations: Graphing method. Word problems involving colonial commerce.
⚡ Science (Physics)
Kinematics: Position, displacement, speed, velocity. Tracking motion mathematically.
🏛️ History
Indigenous perspectives on colonization. The Wampanoag, Powhatan, and other nations. What was lost?
🎨 Art
Study Indigenous art of the Eastern Woodlands. Create a piece inspired by these traditions.
🏃 Movement
Nature walk: Observe motion in the natural world—falling leaves, flowing water, animal movement.
Enlightenment Arrives
🕯️ Hearth Circle
What does it mean to question authority? When is it right to challenge tradition?
📚 Language Arts
Benjamin Franklin: 'The Autobiography' excerpts and 'Poor Richard's Almanack.' Discuss self-improvement and practical wisdom.
📐 Math (Algebra II)
Systems of equations: Substitution and elimination methods. SAT-style practice problems.
⚡ Science (Physics)
Acceleration and free fall. Galileo's experiments. Calculating motion with constant acceleration.
🏛️ History
The Enlightenment in America: Reason, science, and natural rights. How did these ideas challenge traditional authority?
🎨 Art
Scientific illustration in the style of colonial naturalists. Observe and draw a local plant or animal.
🏃 Movement
Experiment with falling objects—does mass affect fall rate? Recreate Galileo's discoveries.
Seeds of Revolution
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Lammas celebrates the first harvest. What ideas were 'harvested' from the Enlightenment that led to revolution?
📚 Language Arts
Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' excerpts. Analyze persuasive techniques. How did this pamphlet change minds?
📐 Math (Algebra II)
Introduction to polynomials: Terminology, degree, standard form. Adding and subtracting polynomials.
⚡ Science (Physics)
Newton's First Law: Inertia. Objects at rest and in motion. Real-world examples and demonstrations.
🏛️ History
Road to Revolution: Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, Tea Party. Cause and effect analysis.
🎨 Art
Political cartoons then and now. Analyze Benjamin Franklin's 'Join or Die.' Create your own.
🏃 Movement
Inertia experiments: Tablecloth pull, coin drop, and other demonstrations.
Declaring Independence
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Closing Lammas ritual. Reflect on the harvest of colonial ideas. What seeds will grow into the new nation?
📚 Language Arts
The Declaration of Independence: Close reading and analysis. Jefferson's rhetoric and Enlightenment philosophy.
📐 Math (Algebra II)
Multiplying polynomials: Distributive property, FOIL method. Factoring introduction.
⚡ Science (Physics)
Newton's Second Law: F=ma. Calculating force, mass, and acceleration. Problem-solving practice.
🏛️ History
July 4, 1776: What did independence mean? Who was included? Who was excluded? The contradictions of freedom.
🎨 Art
Calligraphy: Practice 18th-century handwriting. Create a personal 'declaration' of values.
🏃 Movement
Force and motion activities: Push, pull, and the relationship between force and acceleration.
🎉 Celebration
Lammas Feast: Share bread and discuss the 'harvest' of revolutionary ideas. What freedoms do we value today?
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
When formal lessons aren't possible, these documentaries and resources cover similar content:
- • Liberty! The American Revolution (PBS documentary series)
- • Crash Course US History - Colonial period episodes (YouTube)
- • Physics Girl - Motion and forces videos (YouTube)
- • Khan Academy - Algebra II: Polynomials unit
- • 1776 (Musical film about the Declaration of Independence)