July 4: A Teen Track Historical Fiction Creative Writing Contest**

Posted on by write2igniteconference

Photo credit: The National Archives  Teens and Tweens! In honor of the Fourth of July, this post is for you! Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves a challenge, here’s a holiday contest that will stump most adults in the U.S.! See entry details and rules after the questions to enter!

How many of us think about why we celebrate July 4 (also known as “Independence Day”)?

We may think of barbecues, picnics, sparklers, fireworks, or family trips. But how often do we remember the document which marked the start of a new nation?

Here are 10 Questions to test your knowledge of U.S. history and events connected with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How many answers do you (and your family and friends) know?

Adults may help students find resources, but students should read information and write an original story, poem, or journal entry/entries in their own words. **Creative writing pieces must include specific answers to at least FOUR of the 10 questions, listing the source(s) where information/answers were found. Entries without sources will not be accepted.

  1. In what year was the Declaration of Independence written and signed?
  2. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
  3. Was the original version of the Declaration the one that was signed?
  4. How many men signed the Declaration?
  5. What was the name of the group/meeting where the Declaration was discussed and signed? In what city did the meeting take place?
  6. Was this a publicly announced meeting? Why or why not?
  7. How many colonies were represented?
  8. What were their main reasons for wanting independence? What country had authority over the colonies at this time? What was the name of the king?
  9. Name the first battle which preceded the Declaration and the war which resulted from the decision to declare independence.
  10. Was the Constitution of the United States, which was completed and signed September 17, 1787, the original document governing the newly established country?

Answers to these questions, as well as many other facts related to July 4/Revolutionary War history can be found at the following online sources:

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/downloads  and other pages of the National Archives

http://www.ushistory.org/    http://www.ushistory.org/documents/confederation.htm

https://revolutionarywar.us/  https://www.myrevolutionarywar.com/

https://www.historyisfun.org/learn/learning-center/colonial-america-american-revolution-learning-resources/american-revolution-lesson-plans-activities/

Original creative writing entries received by July 25 will be entered in a drawing to win a Teen Track scholarship to Write2Ignite Conference September 20-21, 2019! You must be a rising 6th through 12th grader or have just completed 12th grade this year to enter.

Three ways to submit your answers on the attached entry/submission form at  https://write2ignite.com/category/2019-conference-updates/

  1. Email your entry to write2ignite@gmail.com by July 25,2019
  2. Mail your entry to Mrs. Cathy Biggerstaff, 410 Aydlotte Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
  3. Bring your completed entry (on paper or saved on a digital device) to Art SLAM! Live /Write2Ignite Conference event July 20 from 2 to 5 pm at Haywood Mall, Greenville, SC https://www.simon.com/mall/haywood-mall/map/#/

Include complete name and contact information on the entry form with your submission!

Drawing results [and answers to “10 Questions”] will be posted by July 27, 2019.

What Do You Think?