The document outlines an activity where students are split into groups and assigned to research and create a skit about one of several historical American figures, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Harriet Tubman, Theodore Roosevelt, or George Washington Carver. The groups will write a script, draw character pictures, practice their performance, film it on a Flip camera, and share their videos by posting them online for other groups to view and comment on. The activity aims to teach students about the historical figures and involve collaboration, research, and presentation skills.

1. By:
Danielle Collins, Kimberly Wood, and Kelly Wolk

2. SS1H1 The student will read about and describe the life of
historical figures in American history.
a. Identify the contributions made by these figures: Benjamin
Franklin (inventor/author/statesman),Thomas Jefferson
(Declaration of Independence), Meriwether Lewis and William
Clark with Sacagawea (exploration), Harriet Tubman
(Underground Railroad), Theodore Roosevelt (National Parks
and the environment), George Washington Carver (science).
b. Describe how everyday life of these historical figures is
similar to and different from everyday life in the present (food,
clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation)

3. We need your help! The
historical figures play is about
to start, and the actors are
missing! The play must go on,
but we need actors. If you think
you are ready to become an
actor click on each historical
figure to learn more about
them.
Click here to
learn even more
about Ben
Franklin.
Click here to
learn even
more about
Lewis and
Clark

4. Working in groups of five, students are to
research a historical figure and write a skit to
perform for the Head Director (teacher) and
audience (class).

5. First thing you need to do is review the four
historical figures, and decide who you will be
researching to create a skit for the director and
audience.
To review the four historical figures please click
on the review button.

6. Working with your group, you will begin to plan
your skit by completing the character document.
You will create a title for your skit, assign
character roles (including a director), and draw a
creative picture for each character from the skit.
Click on the pencil
to start your
character document

7. Working with your group, write a reader’s theater
skit detailing the historical figure you choose. Be
sure to work together as a group and include as
much information to present to the audience.

8. Working with your group, you will practice your skit
until you are comfortable with performance. When
you are ready, your director of your group will
record your performance using a Flip Camera.
When your group in finished, turn your Flip Camera
into the Head Director (your teacher). The Head
Director will upload you video to YouTube.

9. Working with your group, you will view everyone’s
historical figures skits and post a comment or
question you have. Be sure your sentences begin
with a capital letter and have the correct
punctuation. To access the videos click on the T.V.
screen.

10. 0-3 points 4-7 points 8-10 points
Addresses the
Standard
Students do not
perform a skit on a
historical figure
listed in the
standard.
Students perform
skit on historical
figure, but do not
provide enough
information about
the person.
Students perform a skit
on historical figures and
provide enough
information and facts
about their life and
accomplishments.
Preparation Students do not
work as a group to
prepare a script for
the skit.
Students work in a
group to create a
skit.
Students work to write,
draw, and create
pictures and script for an
informational skit.
Performance
Students are
unaware of their
character role and
lines in the skit.
Students use
technology and
perform a skit.
Students use technology
and are able to perform
an informational,
entertaining skit.
Group
Collaboration
Members of the
group do not work
cooperatively on the
skit.
Some, but not all,
group members
work to create the
skit.
All group members work
together cooperatively to
create skit.

11. If your looking to find out more information about
your historical figure, you can complete 3 tic-tac-
toe board activities. Be sure your cross off each
activity you complete.

12. If you were Ben Franklin, what would
you invent? Draw a picture of your
invention and use three of more
sentences to describe it.
Click here to create a Benjamin
Franklin fact kite. Imagine you are a conductor of the
Underground Railroad. Click here to
write a diary entry of your day.
Click here to write and draw two
things that Harriet Tubman did. FREE CHOICE
Draw a map like Lewis and Clark did on
their expedition. Click here to draw a
map of an area you know.
Click here to follow Lewis and Clark
on their expedition.
.
Print and complete this activity sheet on
Sacajawea
Click here to join Harriet Tubman on her
journey on the Underground Railroad
Historical Figures Tic-Tac-Toe Board

13. Brain Pop, Jr.
Scholastic
Pebble Go
National Geographic Kids