Teacher Resources
Dover
Most students learn the Declaration was signed on July 4, but the actual independence vote happened on July 2 — and nearly did not include Delaware. This lesson uses Rodney's midnight ride as an entry point for examining how the Continental Congress worked, what delegation deadlocks meant, and why small-state representation mattered from the beginning.
Grade Range
5-8
Duration
2 class periods
Included
3 Resources
What's Included
Everything
You Need
- 5 primary sources with analysis prompts
- Quiz with answer key (5 questions)
- 3 printable handouts
Lesson Overview
Most students learn the Declaration was signed on July 4, but the actual independence vote happened on July 2 — and nearly did not include Delaware. This lesson uses Rodney's midnight ride as an entry point for examining how the Continental Congress worked, what delegation deadlocks meant, and why small-state representation mattered from the beginning.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean for a vote to be "unanimous" and why did that matter in 1776?
- When does one person's decision change history, and how do we recognize those moments?
- How did small-state interests shape the founding from the very beginning?
Primary Sources
5 Sources for Analysis
PRIMARY · TIER1
Delaware Ratification of the U.S. Constitution, December 7, 1787
National Archives, Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses
View SourcePRIMARY · TIER1
Delaware Public Archives: Revolutionary War Records
Delaware Public Archives
View SourcePRIMARY · TIER1
Delaware Declaration of Rights and Fundamental Rules, September 11, 1776
Delaware Public Archives
View SourceSECONDARY · TIER1
Life and Correspondence of Joseph Reed
Lindsay and Blakiston (William B. Reed)
INSTITUTIONAL · TIER1
First State National Historical Park: Dover Unit
National Park Service
View SourceLesson Plan
In the Classroom
Learning Objectives
- 1Explain the difference between the July 2 independence vote and the July 4 signing
- 2Describe Continental Congress delegation voting structure
- 3Trace the chain of events leading to Rodney's ride and explain why it was decisive
- 4Analyze what Rodney's personal circumstances reveal about the stakes involved
Assessment
Dover in the American Revolution
Answer the following questions based on our study of Revolutionary history.
What makes Dover significant in Revolutionary history?
multiple choice
Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
true false
Name one event that occurred in Dover during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
short answer
+ 2 more questions in the full packet
Ready to Print?
The full teacher packet includes cover page, lesson plan, all primary source worksheets, quiz, answer key, and standards alignment — formatted for classroom printing.