Title:  The Great Compromise

Grade Level:  5, 6

Subjects:  Social Studies, Art, Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:
    1.   Students will understand the issue of representation of states in Congress and how it was resolved during the writing of the Constitution.

Duration of Lesson:
    Part A:  Internet time for each student
    Part B:  one class period plus
                 Internet time for each student

Materials:  materials for drawing cartoons

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet

Procedures:

    1.  Part A:  Students will examine the issues of representation in the US Congress.  They will see that there was a great debate surrounding the best way to accomplish this and will learn the views of small and large states.  They will visit
The Great Compromise web site to read about how this issue was resolved.

    2.  Students will note cartoons drawn at end of The Great Compromise site.

    3.  Students take on-line quiz over The Great Compromise.  Answers should be written on paper, then checked on-line.

    4.  Part B:  As a class, view some political cartoons in the newspaper or from other sources.  In each, consider what event is being portrayed.  What opinion is being expressed?  Discuss the cartoons found at the end of  The Great Compromise site in Part A.

    5.  Direct students to the Daryl Cagle Professional Cartoonists Index Allow browsing time.  Ask students to find a cartoon to share with the class, telling the event being portrayed and the opinion of the cartoonist who drew it.  Does the opinion being expressed agree with your opinion?

    6.  Working with a partner, students will design and execute a political cartoon of their own depicting the opinions of the supporters of the Virginia Plan and/or the supporters of the New Jersey Plan.

    7.  Share cartoons in class.

Modifications:  as indicated by individual IEP's

Evaluation:  correct answers to quiz; thoughtfully completed cartoon

WV IGO's:  5.2  United States History
                   5.16, 5.23, 5.27  English / Language Arts

National Standards

References:   Graphics by becky  http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Cottage/3900

Author: Sandy Cross
            Lesley Klishis
            Debby McConnell
            Mountainview Elementary School

e-mail:   ddmcconn@access.k12.wv.us
 
 
 
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Lesson 8