This fifth grade teaching unit covers early conflicts between the American colonies and Britain, battles of the American Revolutionary War, and the Declaration of Independence. Knowledge goals address the pre-revolutionary acts enforced by the British, the concepts of conflict and independence, and the major events and significant people from the American Revolutionary period. Skill goals focus on library use and analysis of cause and effect relationships. Affective goals seek to have students develop a sense of respect for the American colonists, and an appreciation of their United States citizenship. Behavioral objectives are keyed to each of the unit goals and activities. Activities include: constructing a learning center on American independence; creating a colonial shopping center; writing letters of protest to King George III; making candles and determining the optimal composition of wax ingredients for length of burning; analyzing historical events for cause and effect relationships; analyzing poems and songs for point of view; studying the Declaration of Independence; creating a mural; and developing a class play. The unit evaluation is based on a point system and includes two tests, work samples, and class participation. A copy of one of the tests is included. An 18-item annotated bibliography is attached. (JDH)