Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an inventor, a violinist, a farmer, a diplomat, an architect, an author, and the third president of the United States. Spend a day in the life of this talented man. Grade Levels: 4–8

Lesson

• Before beginning, think about what you know of Thomas Jefferson. What would you consider his most important achievement?
  
  

  Go to http://www.monticello.org/jefferson/biography.html.

  • What important document did Thomas Jefferson write?
  
  
  
  • What university did he start?
  
  
  
  • What was the name of his plantation?
  
  
  
  • After attending the College of William and Mary, what did Jefferson do?

   

• In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal. Do you think that, as a slave owner, he practiced what he preached?

  Write in Jefferson's occupations during these years.

  1779–1781

  1784

  1790

  1796

  1800
  

Learn more about Thomas Jefferson by spending a day in his life. Go to A Day in the Life at http://www.monticello.org/jefferson/dayinlife/sunrise/home.html. As you visit each of the sites about his life, take notes for use as background in an original story.

Extension Activity

Write a short fictional story about a child living at Monticello in Jefferson's time.

Teacher's Notes