Sample Unit Plan Using Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy is a hierarchy of cognitive skills that most teachers use as they plan units of study. If you are homeschooling your child or are planning to homeschool, it's a system you want to become familiar with. If you are new to the taxonomy, you might find yourself wondering exactly how to use it.

This sample unit on Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence should help you create your own lesson plans using the taxonomy.

A child will learn about Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence and understand Jefferson's role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

1. Knowledge
   1. At this level, children will read about Thomas Jefferson and about the Declaration of Independence. They will be able to answer the following questions: Activities: Children will read one or more books about Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Children will complete word searches and other puzzles. (You can make your own puzzles at puzzlefast.com)
      1. When was Thomas Jefferson born?
2. When was the Declaration of Independence written?
3. Where was the Declaration of Independence written?
4. What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
5. When was the Declaration of Independence voted on?
6. Comprehension
   1. Once children have learned significant facts about Jefferson and the Declaration, they will demonstrate an understanding. Activities: Children may do the following:
      1. Explain the reasons the Declaration of Independence was written.
7. Summarize the Declaration of Independence.
8. Summarize the life of Thomas Jefferson.
9. Write the story of the Declaration of Independence in their own words.
10. Write their own biography of Thomas Jefferson.
11. Draw pictures to illustrate the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
12. Write a play about the Declaration of Independence.
13. Application
    1. At this level, children will apply the information they have learned to new situations. Activities: Children may do the following:
       1. Explain the reasons behind the Declaration of Independence.
14. Construct an interview with a significant person involved in the Declaration of Independence.
15. Write a list of questions to ask Thomas Jefferson about his life and his contribution to the Declaration of Independence.
16. Choose a character from a favorite book, story, or movie and write a "Declaration of Independence" for them. (For example, write a Declaration of Independence from the Dursley's for Harry Potter.)
17. Create a game about the Declaration of Independence.
18. Make a diorama of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
19. Analysis
    1. In this level, children learn to identify the separate qualities of a topic and compare, contrast, and classify them. Activities: Children may do the following:
       1. Examine the reasons for the Declaration of Independence.
20. Create a questionnaire.
21. Write an essay explaining how they are similar to and different from Thomas Jefferson.
22. Create a questionnaire for the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
23. Synthesis
    1. Children at this level will combine ideas from the lesson and from other sources. Activities: Children may do the following:
       1. Imagine what it would be like to participate in the discussions about the Declaration of Independence.
24. Imagine what Jefferson would be like if he lived today.
25. Imagine being part of the proceedings leading up to the Declaration of Independence and write a diary about their experiences.
26. Write a newspaper article about the signing of the declaration.
27. Write a story about Jefferson waking up one day to find himself in modern America.
28. Evaluation
    1. In this level, children evaluate events and people using specific criteria. Activities: Children may do the following:
       1. Explain why they agree or disagree with the decisions made concerning the Declaration of Independence.
29. Make a judgment on the character of Thomas Jefferson, supporting their opinion with reasons.
30. Draw a conclusion about Thomas Jefferson's character and write an essay supporting that conclusion.
31. Decide if they'd like to have participated in the discussion and signing of the Declaration and explain why or why not.