Virginia SOL 2.7.e

Social Studies2nd Grade

The Standard

Thomas Jefferson

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify Thomas Jefferson and explain his role in American history. They connect him to the Declaration of Independence, the presidency, and the Louisiana Purchase.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student names Jefferson as the main writer of the Declaration of Independence and the third president. They explain how the Louisiana Purchase increased the nation’s land.
Common Misconceptions: Students may confuse Jefferson with George Washington or say he wrote the Constitution. They may also assume Jefferson’s ideas about equality matched his actions, overlooking that he enslaved people.
How to Assess It: Give students three prompts: name one document Jefferson helped create, one office he held, and one way the country changed during his presidency.

Lesson moves

Build a three-card timeline using pictures of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s presidency, and a Louisiana Purchase map.
Write two sentences answering, "How did Jefferson’s words support freedom, and how did his actions conflict with those words?"
Play a clue game where students identify Jefferson, Washington, or Lincoln from facts read aloud.
Examine a nickel, identify Jefferson and Monticello, then discuss why historical figures appear on money.

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