U.S. Constitution

    Michele Perez, Westmorland Elementary School
Introduction
Standards 
Objectives
Activities
Assessment 
Results
Resources

                                             

 

 
 
 
 
 

Introduction
Students will gain an awareness of the important people associated to the development of the U.S. Constitution.  Your students will also learn about the document which frames our American democratic society.

 

Subject:  History & Language Arts
Topic: The U.S. Constitution
Grade Level: 5
Student Lesson  URL:  We the People
Standards Addressed
Fifth Grade

History: United States History and Geography.  Making a New Nation 

Language Arts: Word Recognition & Writing Strategies

5. 7 Students relate the narrative of the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze its significance as the foundation of the American republic, in terms of:

    1. the fundamental principles of American constitutional democracy including how the government derives its power from the people and the primacy of individual liberty

1.1 Read aloud narrative and expository text fluently and accurately and with appropriate pacing, intonation, and expression.

1.0 Writing Strategies (Grade Five)

Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays. The writing exhibits the students' awareness of the audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. Students progress through the stages of the writing process as needed.

1.1 Create multiple-paragraph narrative compositions:

a. Establish and develop a situation or plot.

b. Describe the setting.

c. Present an ending.
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Instructional Objectives
  1. Student will evaluate the significance that the founders had on the making of the U.S. Constitution.
  2. After evaluating the presidents bibliographies students will be able to in two or  more paragraphs explain the important role one of them had on the constitution.
  3. Students will be able to recite the first paragraph of the U.S. Constitution in front of the class.
  4. Students will be able to take their own personal  journey through the Library of Congress.

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Student Activities
Students will view the U.S. constitution in a kids website that demonstrates the branches of our government.  This website is:  http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/branches.html.

Next, they will read two of the five presidents bibliographies and the impact they each had on the making of the constitution.  Out of those two students will write in two or more paragraphs the important role they feel that president had on the document.  Also, students will be able to recite the first paragraph of the U.S. constitution or be able to compose a readers theatre from their findings.  Lastly, they will be able to embark on a journey through the Library of Congress where the historical document is located.  


Introductory Activity
Students will visit a site that is specifically designed for kids on how the U.S.  government is maintained.  They will view particular pages such as; the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Gettysburg Address.  Most importantly, they will view the Declaration of Independence.  

Enabling Activity(ies)
You will view the Presidents of the United States web site and review the five presidents that had an important impact on the making of the U.S. Constitution. 

 Next, students will decide which two they felt were most interesting to them and the government.  They will write two or more paragraphs describing why they felt those presidents made such an important contribution.  

Lastly, students will be given a handout of the U.S. Constitution.  They will be required to recite in front of class the first paragraph.  This is part of the oral communication language arts standards.    

Culminating Activity
Students will be given the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress via a Virtual Field Trip.  There students can view important U.S. documents or simply, browse through the construction of the building.  

If extra time is allotted for the project students can take a Virtual Tour of Washington D.C.   Students will be able to take an exciting journey through our most historical buildings.  

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Assessment
Students will be graded on organization of time usage, writing skills using a  writing rubric for grammar, word usage and content, and oral speech communication.  
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Web Resources & Supplementary Materials

Introductory Activity

Enabling Activity

Culminating Activity

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Westmorland Elementary School
Westmorland
Michele Perez mminor@westmorland.k12.ca.us
Last Revised: 03/20/2001