Hands on History and Nature Lessons K to 8

My passions are colonial history and plants and this is a website about my retirement pretend job. I was a teacher in private schools for the beginning of my career and then taught in the Philadelphia public schools till I retired. I love teaching I can not get teaching out of my system so I volunteer at 3 sites, the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, The Brandywine Battlefield and Longwood Gardens. I have been asked to do demonstrations and talks so this site contains some of the activities that I do.  When I need peace, I garden. Feel free to browse the pages if interested. I enjoy doing outreaches too. Contact me at mwhutelmyer1@gmail.com.

Maury Hutelmyer

Objectives

1. Students will explain why Americans were upset with British Tax Laws (Stamp Act)
2. Students will identify two tactics colonials used to demonstrate their displeasure with these taxes.

Description

Experience the decision that many Americans had to make in 1776 – Should we revolt against England? The activity will start with a hands on skill such as whizzers or corn husk dolls. Children will then sell their finished product to the merchant and also have to report to the tax agent to pay their share of the King’s taxes. The taxes may be unjust and unfair. What will your student’s reaction be, paying the tax to a king and parliament that is 3000 miles away or independence? Program will end with a decision by the presenter to join the militia. (Corn husk dolls or whizzers are returned to students after lesson)