Thomas Jefferson
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
Learn about our third President, Thomas Jefferson, and his many contributions to our country. The unit has opportunities for hands-on activities, great pictures that will bring the lessons to life, a great video, and recommendations for books that will even engage your younger ones (2-4 years old). In addition, your child will learn about Jefferson as a politician, inventor, and architect. This unit is intended to last for one week, depending on how often you teach history.
List of Objectives:
- Learn about the life of Thomas Jefferson and his many accomplishments and innovations.
- Know about the Louisiana Purchase and Thomas Jefferson's involvement in it.
- Appreciate Jefferson's inventiveness, focusing on macaroni.
- Learn that Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
- Empty vegetable can
- White craft glue
- Gesso (recommended: Liquitex Basics Gesso) or white craft paint
- Paintbrush
- Acrylic paints in your favorite colors
- Acrylic sealer spray
- Several different shaped pasta noodles
- Sand paper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 quarts heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
Handouts/Printables:
- Basic printing supplies
- Crayons/pencil
- Nickels
Links to Related Pathways (if any):
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
Read a short biography of Thomas Jefferson covering important highlights of his life.A Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson (no rating)
| Timeline of Thomas Jefferson's Life | (no rating) |
This is a great timeline to get a good perspective of Thomas Jefferson's accomplishments.
| Thomas Jefferson at Home | (no rating) |
Get a bit more background on Thomas Jefferson's life at home. On the first page, you will see Jefferson's drawing of his macaroni machine.
| Louisiana Purchase | (no rating) |
Learn about Thomas Jefferson's involvement in the Louisiana Purchase and details on the transaction. A clear and colorful map is displayed on the site, making it easy for young ones to understand the message.
| The Most Important Document He Ever Wrote | (no rating) |
Read this short four-page lesson on Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Each page has a related picture on the topic.
| Inventions | (no rating) |
Visit this page to see pictures and short descriptions of things that Thomas Jefferson invented or changed.
Reference Websites:
| Mt. Rushmore | (no rating) |
This is a picture of Mt. Rushmore. Four presidents are depicted here; the second from the left is President Thomas Jefferson. These presidents were selected because of their role in preserving the Republic and expanding its territory.
| Monticello | (no rating) |
This is a picture of Monticello, the house Thomas Jefferson designed and eventually retired in, located in Virginia.
| Declaration of Independence | (no rating) |
This site has an image of the Declaration of Independence.
| The Signing of the Declaration of Independence | (no rating) |
This is a great portrait of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson is seen in between John Adams and Ben Franklin, placing the document on the table.
| Jefferson Memorial | (no rating) |
Take a look at a picture of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Colorful Macaroni Can | (no rating) |
Thomas Jefferson came up with the idea of macaroni pasta from his experiences in France. Show off your favorite colors by making a colorful Macaroni Can and use it as a pencil holder or anything else you can think of.
| Fun and Quick Mac and Cheese Muffins | (no rating) |
Enjoy an interesting twist to the Mac & Cheese introduced to us by Thomas Jefferson. Use this quick and fun recipe to make delicious Mac & Cheese Muffins with your little ones.
| Thomas Jefferson's Ice Cream | (no rating) |
Like the macaroni, Thomas Jefferson also brought this recipe home with him. Many of his guests at Monticello enjoyed his homemade vanilla ice cream. Have fun making and enjoying this Jefferson's homemade ice cream with your child.
| I Love My Love with an A | (no rating) |
Thomas Jefferson enjoyed playing board games and word games with his grandchildren at Monticello. Try this one!
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
Explore your architectural skills, and like Thomas Jefferson, build your own house.Build Your Own House (no rating)
Color the front and back of the nickel. Thomas Jefferson's profile is on one side, and Monticello, his house, is on the other.U.S. Nickel Coloring Page (no rating)
| Thomas Jefferson Worksheet | (no rating) |
This site has a great worksheet to print out and have your child answer questions about what he/she has learned about Thomas Jefferson.
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Free Online Video:
This video provides a brief biography of Thomas Jefferson and gives an overall description of the United States during Thomas Jefferson's presidency (1800-1808), as well as a short summary of his leadership.Thomas Jefferson Video (no rating)
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Free Online Audio: 
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):