Build Your Patriot Team turns the American Revolution into a high-engagement strategic activity where students draft a five-person Patriot team from a roster of seventeen real historical figures. Each profile provides a clear list contributions and risk factors, helping learners understand what each figure actually did and what challenges they brought to the Patriot cause. Instead of memorizing names, students evaluate strengths, consider weaknesses, and build a balanced team capable of supporting a revolution. 

The draft pool can be set to 8, 12, or 17 figures to adjust for grade level and reading ability.
 
Grade Level: 6–12
Duration: 1 class period (60 minutes)
DOK 2
 
What’s Included:
Printable worksheets: Draft Pick Student worksheets, reflection questions, and strategic justification prompts.
17 American Revolution Draft cards with key information.
Teacher’s guide: Step-by-step instructions for introducing the activity and guiding group discussion.
Answer keys: N/A as answers will vary widely. 
 
Skills Developed:
Students evaluate historical contributions, weigh strengths and weaknesses, compare multiple roles in the Revolution, practice evidence-based reasoning, and apply strategic decision-making to historical scenarios.
 
Perfect For:
Teachers looking for a high-engagement, low-prep introduction to major figures in the American Revolution; classrooms beginning the Revolution unit; students who benefit from decision-making tasks rather than memorization; and lessons that emphasize analytical thinking and historical understanding.