In this lesson, 5th graders examine the lives of six people who were important in early American history. They include Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and George Washington. Readings include biographies, personal letters, journals, and other writings. Each group assumes the identity of the person they studied and the groups have a "Meeting of the Minds" where they are questioned about their lives and accomplishments. All teacher and student resources are included in this 55-page unit.