All grades  Lesson 60 minutes

Revolution Rhymes: From Independence to Constitution!

Eric T
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9
D2.Civ.8.6-8
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.9
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of the pivotal moments leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, fostering a deeper understanding of America's foundational principles. Through role-playing as historical figures from the Constitutional Convention, students will critically analyze the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the motivations behind the creation of the Constitution. This project-based approach encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and reflection on the enduring impact of these historical events on today's social and political systems.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the timeline of events from the American Revolution to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the necessity of the Constitutional Convention. They will learn and apply key vocabulary related to these historical events. Through role-playing a participant of the Constitutional Convention, students will develop a deeper understanding of the founding fathers' motivations and decisions. They will engage in self-directed learning and critical reflection to connect historical principles to contemporary social and political systems.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9 - Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.8.6-8 - Analyze ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States, and explain how they influence the social and political system.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.9 - Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"), including how they address related themes and concepts.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a series of diary entries from the perspective of a participant at the Constitutional Convention, capturing the debates and decisions made each day. These entries will be compiled into a collaborative class journal, which will be presented as an exhibition to peers and teachers. Additionally, students will create a timeline poster that visually represents the key events leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, incorporating important vocabulary and concepts.

Launch

Begin the lesson with an immersive role-play activity where students are assigned to represent different historical figures from the Constitutional Convention. Set the scene by transforming the classroom into a convention hall, and have students introduce themselves in character, sharing their perspectives and motivations for attending the convention. This will spark curiosity and provide a dynamic entry point into exploring the essential question: "Why did the founding fathers meet to draft the U.S. Constitution?"

Exhibition

Students will host a "Constitutional Convention Reenactment" where they present their projects in character as historical figures from the convention. Each student will deliver a brief speech or presentation explaining their figure's role and perspective on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The event will be open to other grades and parents, allowing students to showcase their understanding of the historical context and significance of the Constitutional Convention. This interactive exhibition will encourage audience engagement through a Q&A session, where students respond to questions as their historical characters.