Grade Level:  5th and 6th

Subjects:  Social Studies and Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:  The student will:

• recognize the need for a uniform government plan which will enforce  rules and regulations of our society
• recognize the need to protect the basic rights of the citizens of our society
• have a basic understanding of the Preamble and the first three Articles of the Constitution

Materials:  Computer with internet access

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet access

Teacher Notes:

• Make sure all students have signed the internet acceptable use policy.
• Make sure a computer lab is available in order that all students have computer access.
• Assign students in groups of four prior to activity.

• In order for students to realize the need for a uniform government plan, students will work in their preassigned groups of four (4) and write a short story about what a school day would be like if there were no uniform rules.
• Students are to share their stories with the class describing the chaos of a classroom without rules and regulations to protect them.
• A teacher led discussion will follow. State that the US Constitution is the document containing the basic laws that govern our country and protects the rights and freedom of Americans.
• Teacher is to review the three main weaknesses of the Articles of the Confederation.  These can be accessed by going to Ben's Guide  and reading the history of the Constitution.
• By referring back to Ben's Guide, students are to play the Place the State game.  Once the students have accessed this site, they are to click on Place the State to get to the game.
• Students are to place the first thirteen (13) states on the map.
 

Enrichment:  Students may complete the Constitution crossword puzzle.

Evaluation:
 

State and National Goals:

Social Studies:

1. Understand how political, religious, and social institutions emerged in the English colonies

1. Uses the general skill and strategies of the writing process
2. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
3. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts

• West Virginia Department of Education
• Ben's Guide
• National Standards

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