Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Historical Scavenger Hunt Launch - Students explore key artifacts, documents, and maps related to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention, solving clues to uncover the timeline of events. This activity will spark curiosity and provide foundational knowledge for the project. (45 min)
Mapping the 13 Colonies - Students create a physical map of the original 13 colonies, marking key locations and events that influenced the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention. This hands-on activity helps students visualize the geographical context of early American governance. (25 min)
Introduction to the Articles of Confederation - Students read and discuss the Articles of Confederation, focusing on its main provisions and outcomes. This session aims to explain the reasons for its adoption and failure. (20 min)
Debate on Articles of Confederation - In small groups, students debate the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, focusing on economic, political, and cultural challenges. This will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students reflect on their debate experience and how it shapes their understanding of the Articles of Confederation's limitations. This activity fosters self-directed learning and academic mindset. (15 min)
Timeline Mural Planning - Students begin planning their timeline murals, outlining major events, debates, and decisions leading to the Constitution. They work in groups to decide on the layout and content. This activity prepares them for the upcoming exhibition. (25 min)
Introduction to the Constitutional Convention - Students learn about the major issues debated at the Constitutional Convention, including political power distribution and foreign affairs. This sets the stage for their timeline content. (20 min)
Constitutional Issues Role-Play - Students take on roles of historical figures from the Constitutional Convention, debating key issues such as state vs. federal power and individual rights. This activity deepens understanding through experiential learning. (30 min)
Role-Play Reflection - Students discuss how their perspectives may have shifted after embodying historical figures, enhancing their academic mindset and self-directed learning. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed physical map of the original 13 colonies with marked key locations and events.
2. Draft of timeline mural detailing major events, debates, and decisions leading to the Constitution.
3. Feedback from peer review sessions on timeline mural drafts.
4. Initial design of multimedia presentation illustrating the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution.
Preparation 1. Prepare historical artifacts, documents, and maps for the scavenger hunt.
2. Gather materials for creating the physical map of the 13 colonies (e.g., large paper, markers, stickers).
3. Provide resources and access to research materials for students to gather information for their timeline murals.
4. Set up peer review guidelines and rubrics for evaluating historical accuracy and creativity.
5. Ensure access to multimedia tools and software for creating digital presentations.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Timeline Mural Creation - Students collaborate to construct their timeline murals, incorporating major events, debates, and decisions from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution. This activity supports the exhibition preparation. (45 min)
Multimedia Presentation Development - Students work in groups to create multimedia presentations illustrating the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, focusing on key challenges and solutions. This activity emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. (45 min)
Peer Review and Feedback Session - Students exchange their timeline murals and multimedia presentations for peer review, providing and receiving constructive feedback on historical accuracy and creativity. This activity fosters self-directed learning. (30 min)
Revisions and Refinement - Based on peer feedback, students refine their projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables for the exhibition. This activity supports students in achieving academic mindset. (15 min)
Political Cartoon Creation - Students design and illustrate political cartoons that humorously depict the issues and debates during the era, enhancing their understanding of historical context. This activity encourages creativity and engagement. (25 min)
Mock Constitutional Convention Preparation - Students prepare for a mock Constitutional Convention, reviewing their roles and key issues to debate, deepening their understanding of early American governance. (20 min)
Mock Constitutional Convention and Reflection - Students participate in a mock Constitutional Convention, taking on roles of historical figures and debating key issues. Afterward, they reflect on their experiences and insights gained. This activity integrates experiential learning and self-reflection. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed timeline murals illustrating the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution with annotations explaining each event.
2. Multimedia presentations that detail the evolution of American governance, addressing the challenges faced and how they were resolved in the Constitution.
3. Reflections from the mock Constitutional Convention, where students summarize their debates and any shifts in their perspectives.
4. Revised timeline murals and multimedia presentations based on peer feedback, ensuring both historical accuracy and creative presentation.
5. Political cartoons created by students that depict and comment on the major issues and debates of the Constitutional era.
6. Participation in the 'Constitutional Gallery Walk,' acting as docents for their peers, parents, and visiting classes, explaining their work and its historical significance.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for timeline murals, including large sheets of paper, markers, colored pencils, and images of historical events.
2. Ensure access to digital devices and software for multimedia presentations, such as presentation software or video editing tools.
3. Prepare role cards and background information for the mock Constitutional Convention, ensuring students understand the historical figures they will portray.
4. Set up the classroom to facilitate peer review sessions, providing feedback forms for students to use.
5. Organize and label the space for the 'Constitutional Gallery Walk' with sufficient display areas for murals and digital screens.
6. Prepare evaluation criteria for both the timeline murals and multimedia presentations to guide student work and self-assessment.
7. Create templates for political cartoons, providing examples of historical cartoons from the era for inspiration.