This report is one of a series on how curriculum unit experiences in U.S. history influenced the learning of fifth-grade students. This report focuses on the American Revolution period. Before the unit began, three classes of fifth graders stated what they knew (or thought they knew) about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, the War itself, and what occurred in the new nation as it began the process of governing itself. In general, students knew very little about this period as they approached their study of it. After the unit, most of the students were much better informed and seemed to have a reasonably good understanding of the events and the historical context in question. They also demonstrated some understanding of circumstances that may have contributed to the Revolutionary War. However, most students appeared to lack an appreciation of different interpretive positions on the issues that surrounded the birth of the United States. They also were limited in their understanding of how the new nation began the process of self-government. (Author)