Birth of a Nation
Independence Hall Adventure
A powerful disturbance has been detected inside Independence Hall.
Ari Raider is receiving unstable readings from the Liberty Assembly Vault, where leaders once gathered to debate independence, shape a new government, and build the foundations of the United States. The Professor has interfered with the systems that explain how the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were created and hidden a specimen inside a sealed Mystery Mine. To restore balance, students must investigate the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, drafting and revisions, the Constitutional Convention, and the compromises that shaped American government.
This adventure turns social studies into a story driven escape room style mission focused on founding documents, debate, and how democratic systems were built.
Birth of a Nation: Independence Hall Social Studies Adventure
A story driven social studies adventure where students explore Independence Hall, investigate the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitutional Convention, and restore balance in the Liberty Assembly Vault by answering questions and unlocking the Mystery Mine.
Adventure Overview
Setting: The Liberty Assembly Vault
Story Hook: Ari Raider detects a disturbance in Independence Hall caused by the Professor.
Student Mission: Explore founding zones, answer questions correctly, and unlock the Mystery Mine.
Mission Objective: Discover. Identify. Collect.
Grade Levels: 3–5
Time: 30–60 minutes
Lesson Plan
Objective: Students will explain why Independence Hall is historically important and describe how debate, drafting, and compromise helped create key U.S. founding documents.
- Engage: Introduce Independence Hall as a place where leaders made decisions that changed history.
- Explore: Students progress through three zones by answering questions about congress meetings, founding documents, and new government design.
- Explain: Discuss the Declaration of Independence, drafting and revisions, the Constitutional Convention, and how compromise shaped government.
- Extend: Compare the need for compromise in 1776 and 1787 to modern decision making in communities.
- Evaluate: Use the Knowledge Check and discussion questions for review and reflection.
Teaching Guide
- Use as a guided class adventure, independent activity, or social studies center rotation.
- Pause after each zone to connect story clues to real historical events and vocabulary.
- Emphasize that major documents were written through teamwork, revision, and agreement.
- Highlight that debate and compromise were necessary to form a stronger national government.
- Optional: Students create a “Founding Timeline” showing key moments at Independence Hall.
Vocabulary
- Delegate: A person chosen to represent others in a meeting or congress.
- Congress: A group of representatives who meet to make decisions and laws.
- Revolution: A major change, often involving a fight for independence.
- Declaration: An official statement that announces an important decision.
- Constitution: The highest set of rules for a government.
- Convention: A formal meeting to discuss and create plans or rules.
- Compromise: An agreement where each side gives up something to reach a solution.
- Preservation: Protecting something so it stays safe for the future.
Knowledge Check: Questions & Answers
Zone 1: Revolutionary Meeting Zone
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Q: Where is Independence Hall located?
A: Philadelphia Pennsylvania -
Q: Why was Independence Hall important during the American Revolution?
A: It hosted key government meetings -
Q: Which group met at Independence Hall to govern the colonies during the revolution?
A: The Second Continental Congress
Zone 2: Declaration Drafting Chamber
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Q: What major document was debated and approved at Independence Hall?
A: The Declaration of Independence -
Q: What did the Declaration of Independence announce?
A: Separation from Great Britain -
Q: Who helped draft the Declaration before it was debated?
A: A committee of delegates
Zone 3: Constitution Convention Hall
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Q: What was the goal of the Constitutional Convention?
A: To create a stronger national government -
Q: How were disagreements between states resolved?
A: Through debate and compromise -
Q: What document was written and signed at Independence Hall in 1787?
A: The United States Constitution
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think leaders needed to meet in person to debate important decisions?
- Why might writing the Declaration require careful word choice and revisions?
- How does compromise help groups solve problems?
- Why was a stronger national government needed after independence?
- How does preserving historic places help people learn today?
Classroom Transformation Ideas
- Create a “Liberty Assembly Vault” evidence wall with document clues and a timeline.
- Set up three zones labeled “Congress,” “Declaration,” and “Constitution” to match the adventure.
- Use parchment colored paper for student notes and debate cards.
- Play quiet colonial ambience during the adventure for immersion.
- Assign roles like “Delegate,” “Document Editor,” or “Compromise Keeper.”
DIY Excavation Activity
No-mess option:
- Hide a small object or “document token” in a paper cup.
- Cover it with shredded paper or crumpled paper to represent archived records.
- Students excavate carefully using a spoon or craft stick and record observations.
- Have students explain what the token might represent and why it matters in a democracy.
Standards Alignment
- Explain why Independence Hall is an important historic site in U.S. history.
- Describe how debate and compromise helped create founding documents.
- Identify basic ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
- Use evidence to explain why preserving historical sites supports civic learning.
Free Printable Trading Cards
Download free printable trading cards that match Birth of a Nation. Each card reinforces Independence Hall concepts used in the adventure and supports collection based learning.