Decipherers
TASK:
You will be learning about the document itself, including how it was written,
why it was written the way it was, the process it went through to be drafted,
etc. Part of your expertise will be in the style and handwriting itself as well.
PRODUCT:
You will be scouring the Declaration to find out all you can about the document
Based on what you find out about the writing process, you will be creating a
timeline, some writing samples and lists, and also working with the
Preservationists to create a replica/copy of the Declaration.
Proceed through the following steps. Be sure to refer to the list of resources
and use the links to Primary Sources provided:
1.
Read through the “transcribed” copy of the
Declaration of Independence.
2.
Now, explore the fragment of
a rough draft/idea and the rough draft itself.
3.
Print out a typed/transcribed
copy and a copy of the rough draft and fragment.
4.
Use a highlighter to
highlight words in the rough draft that were also in the original fragment. Then
use a highlighter to highlight words in the typed/final copy that were in the
original fragment.
5.
Use a red pen to underline words/phrases in the final
copy that were also in the rough draft, but not already highlighted. You should
end up with a copy of the Declaration that shows words that made it all the way
through the process form the original draft (highlighted) and the rough draft
(underlined).
6.
Now look at the rough draft again. Study the
handwriting. Are there certain letters that are difficult to read? Certain words
or phrases that don’t make sense?
List them:
7.
Study the timeline of the
process the Declaration went through:
8.
On a blank sheet of paper,
create your own version of that timeline, or just print the one you find!
9.
Create a list or chart, on a
separate sheet of paper, showing who received the original copies of the
declaration:
10.
Use this handwriting chart to
study the handwriting style used to draft the Declaration:
11.
Using the pens, ink, and
paper provided by the teacher, practice writing your first and last name in this
style of script.
12.
On the back of the card you
wrote your name on, write a brief description of the ink used on the original
Declaration. You can find out about it here:
13.
Now that you have learned
about the process the Declaration went through, and the handwriting and ink used
to draft it, work with the Preservers to create a “replica” of the Declaration.
Be creative!
