Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8

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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Alexander Hamilton, and supports the standard of recognizing the contributions of the Founding Fathers. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of creative projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Ask students: What do you know about the historical figures in the musical “Hamilton?” 

Step 2: BUILD BACKGROUND

  • Read aloud the description on the Alexander Hamilton topic page.
  • Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding. 
  • Have students read one of the following Related Reading articles: “Politics,” In Depth,” or “In Practice.” Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.

Step 3: APPLY

Students synthesize their ideas and express them through one or more of the following creative projects. They can work individually or collaborate.  

  • Make-a-Movie: Create a talk-show style interview with Alexander Hamilton. 
  • Make-a-Map: Make a concept map identifying how Hamilton’s opinions influenced his actions and policies. 
  • Creative Coding: Code a meme representing Hamilton’s role in shaping U.S. policies. 

Step 4: REFLECT & ASSESS 

Reflect: After sharing creative projects with each other, students reflect on what they’ve learned about Alexander Hamilton.  Prompt them by asking questions such as: 

  • How might the U.S. economy be different today without Hamilton’s influence? 
  • How did Hamilton’s personal traits and experiences shape his contributions to the foundations of the U.S. government? 
  • What were Hamilton’s shortcomings? 

Assess: Wrap up the lesson with the Alexander Hamilton Challenge

Step 5:  Extend Learning

Spend more time with Hamilton by analyzing a letter he wrote as a teenager in this Primary Source Activity

Assess your knowledge of Hamilton’s life with the sequencing game Time Zone X: Alexander Hamilton.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments