Hand Bill Project

Students often believe we have had technology forever and were simply able to text or IM any information to our friends with the click of a button.  Besides physically speaking to one another, there was very little way to communicate.  When the printing press was invented it gave writers an outlet to write articles and give their opinions.  Prior to the American Revolution, authors were creating handbills.  These were short, one page newspaper type articles written by the owner of the printing press.  They were often passed from person to person and read in churches or other public places.  Handbills fueled the fire that lead to the Revolutionary War.

The 7th Grade class created these handbills for our American Revolution unit.  Ironically, we used technology to create them.  So to make them look "vintage", the class soaked them in coffee grounds and tea bags, which were items that caused disputes during this era.  This effect caused the paper to look old and weathered.  Their excellent handbills were historically accurate and are a great addition to our hallway full of historical examples and student work.  (Please note you can click on the photos for a closer view)