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Hip Hip Hooray! It’s Independence Day!

by Jennifer Kowalczyk • Published on • Last modified on
Education

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July or July 4th, is a U.S. federal holiday celebrating America’s independence from Great Britain in the 18th century.

On July 2nd, 1776, the United States Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Since that day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, and was recognized as a federal holiday in 1941.

Traditionally, July 4th has been celebrated throughout the years with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings like barbecues and cook-outs. Special commemorations are planned for 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and America’s semiquincentennial.

This July 4th, while we celebrate American independence, let’s learn about the origins of our nation, taking time to discuss how we can continue to work toward freedom and equality for all. Check out the activities, crafts, and resources below to learn what the Fourth of July really means!

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Activities, Crafts & More
America’s 250th Anniversary

Activities, Crafts & More

Grades K-5

Fourth of July Rockets

Get ready for the Fourth of July with these fun Independence Day rocket decorations using some basic supplies and recyclables.

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Grades K-5

DIY Slime to Celebrate 4th of July

Mix up patriotic, homemade slime in honor of Independence Day using glue and other simple household ingredients.

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Grades K-5

Make a Paper Plate Fan to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Create a Fourth of July craft that can keep you cool! Make this easy paper plate fan while you talk with your child about America’s history.

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Grades Pre K-6

Children’s Books for the Fourth of July

Celebrate this Fourth of July with fireworks, flags and the Founding Fathers! From the well-known George Washington and John Adams, to Sybil Ludington’s midnight ride, this collection of books brings history and festivity to kids ages 0-12.

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Grades 6-12

Create Your Own Documentary: The Declaration of Independence | New Jersey: Then and Now

What is the significance of The Declaration of Independence? How has it shaped the United States of America? Create a documentary to inform viewers about the document that built the foundation for the United States of America using professional footage from the archives of the New Jersey Network. In this resource, students will research a topic, write a script, and add voice-over narration to produce their own educational content. 

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Grades 6-12

Causes of the American Revolution | Interactive Timeline

From settling the 13 colonies to signing the Declaration of Independence, uncover the key events that sparked the American Revolution with this interactive timeline.

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America’s 250th Anniversary: Resources, Videos & Activities

Grades K-12

Tapestry of New York: student artwork honoring America’s 250th anniversary

Tapestry of New York is a new online platform showcasing the creative work of New York students in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. This visual storytelling hub includes artwork and media from students across New York State reflecting their unique interpretations of the American Revolution and the “unfinished revolutions” that followed. Open to all K-12 students from June to December 2026, schools, libraries, and after-school programs can participate by submitting collages, drawings, paintings, photography, graphics, videos, and other artworks in response to the prompt “What does ‘We the People’ mean to you?” A teacher toolkit to support historical reflection, inquiry, and enrichment is available.

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Grades K-12

NYS 250th Commemoration Commission: Educator Resources | New York State Museum

Explore robust teacher resources presented by the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission and New York State Museum in a variety of topic areas including Indigenous history and culture, the Revolutionary Era, Women’s Suffrage, the Environmental Movement, and more.

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Grades K-12

New York at 250: Resources for Librarians and Educators | New York State Library

New York State’s 250th seeks to highlight and commemorate not just the roles of New York’s citizens during the Revolutionary War, but also the subsequent 250 years of action toward the ideals of our nation’s founding principles. This guide for educators includes a variety of information, including classroom resources from the Office of Cultural Education at the New York State Education Department, in support of P-12 exploration related to this historic commemoration.

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Grades 3-12

Ken Burns in the Classroom | The American Revolution Collection

Bring one of history’s most transformative eras to life with media-rich classroom resources inspired by the new PBS film series, The American Revolution. Explore commonly taught topics — including life in the British colonies, causes of the Revolution, key events, key figures and ideas, and the lasting legacies that shaped the nation. These resources will address themes raised in the film, including freedom, opportunity, democracy, and the global nature of the conflict, and are designed to build students’ critical thinking skills, their ability to think in terms of cause and effect, and their ability to analyze primary sources.

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