Introduction |
Task
 |
Process  |
Resources |
Evaluation
|
Conclusion
|
Extensions
|
Teacher's
Notes |
| Arizona Academic Standards | |
Amazing Forefathers
A Fifth Grade WebQuest
Learning About Our Forefathers
and Events That Shaped America
by: Mary Pistor
| Introduction |
Task
|
| Process |
Resources |
| Evaluation
|
Conclusion
|
| Extensions
|
Teacher's
Notes |
| Arizona Academic Standards | |
America is the land of life, liberty and freedom. Our forefathers wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights to keep these freedoms alive. Who were these men and why was it so important to keep these freedoms for the colonists, you and me?
You and a partner are reporters during colonial times in America. You cover the signing of the Declaration of Independence, attend the Constitutional Convention and are present for the ratification of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Check your resources and gather information to do the following:
1. Choose one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and research about him. Create at least a four slide PowerPoint presentation introducing your signer to the class. Your presentation must include a picture as well as important facts on why this person was chosen to be a signer on the Declaration of Independence.
2. Write a set of (at least 5) questions that you and your partner would like to ask the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
3. Create a timeline of important events that led to America's independence. Be sure to include the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
4. Use Inspiration to create a diagram/graphic to show the powers of the three branches of government that our forefathers framed in the Constitution.
5. Rights were given to Americans in the Bill of Rights. Choose one of the privileges and write a short article or poem about what it means to Americans.
Your goal is to learn about our forefathers and the government that they put in place for us. As you gather information be sure to put it in your own words and give credit to your sources.
1. Visit the resource section of the WebQuest and use the links provided to read, gather facts, record information, and select pictures that you want to include in your presentation. Remember to show creativity in your presentation. Keep information interesting, short, and informative. As you gather your information talk with your partner and think about questions you would like to ask our founding fathers if you were able to interview them today.
2. Look at your social studies book, Encarta, and the resource section to create a timeline of the important events that led to America's independence from England.
3. Our forefathers were careful to divide the power of the system among the three branches of government. Design a graphic using Inspiration to visually display your information.
4. Read about the first ten amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, and choose one. Write either an article or poem about what it means to Americans.
Here are resources to help you with your tasks. Evaluate the information you find carefully. Think about who wrote the information, and if you find the same facts in several resources.
Books: Events That Changed America by Leslie Wheeler
The Constitution by Warren
Freedom of Assembly by David C. King
Network Resource: Microsoft Encarta 1999
Text: United States and Its Neighbors - MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. 1993
|
Criteria |
Developing (1) | Accomplished (3) | Exemplary (5) |
| Graphic Design | No graphics present | Includes graphics related to the subject | Graphics add interest and add to presentation |
| Content | Many facts are missing | Facts are present and clear | Facts are included in an interesting way. Additional information is given to enhance content and presentation |
| Presentation | Presenters hard to hear, make little of no eye contact and speak without emotion or showing any interest. | Presenters make some eye contact, speak clearly and loud enough to be heard, but show little evidence in being interested. | Presentation shows evidence of being practiced. Presenters are clear, easily heard, lots of eye contact with audience, and shows interest. |
Living in America today may have looked very different if our forefathers hadn't fought for and established our freedoms. Think about the many ways we have benefited because of their decisions.
Glossary:
Amendment:
a change that is made or added to a constitution, law, bill, or motion
Bill of
Rights: first ten amendments to the United States Constitution adopted in
1791 which declares rights help by U.S. citizens; a list of rights and freedoms
guaranteed to the people of a state or nation
Constitution:
laws of a nation
Constitutional
Convention: where delegates of the thirteen colonies came together to
drew up the Constitution of the United States
Founding
Fathers: The delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in
1787.
Forefathers:
a person of an earlier period and common heritage
Liberty: the
state of being free
Ratification:
to adopt or approve a plan of government
| Social Studies
Grades 4-5 |
Standard
1 - History
1SS-E1 PO1. Place key events on a timeline and apply chronological terms correctly Standard 2 Civics / Government 2SS-E1 Describe the narrative of the people and events associated with
the development of the United States Constitution and describe its
significance to the foundation of the American republic, with emphasis on
: PO4. the natural rights expressed in the Declaration of
Independence PO5. The Contributions and roles of major individuals, including George Washington, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin. 2SS-E2.
Describe political philosophies and concepts of government that became the
foundation for the American Revolution and United States government, with
emphasis on: PO 4. the separation of powers between the Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court |
| Language Arts
Essentials Grades 4-8 |
Writing
PO3. Provide support through facts, details, examples and descriptions that are appropriate, directly related to the topic and from a variety of cited sources |
| Language Arts
Essentials Grades 4-8 |
Listening
and Speaking
Prepare and deliver an oral report in a content area and effectively convey the information through verbal and nonverbal communications with a specific audience |
| Language Arts
Essentials Grades 4-8 |
Viewing
and Presenting
Plan, develop and produce a visual presentation, using a variety of media such as videos, films, newspapers, magazines and computer images |
| Technology
Grades 4-8 |
Standard
4: Technology Communications Tools
PO 1. Plan, design and present an academic product using technology tools Standard 5: Technology Research Tools PO2. Gather research from a variety of electronic sources and identify the most appropriate information for answering the research question.
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Additional rubric idea for Oral Presentation from Prentice Hall
Timeline Rubric from Prentice Hall
Kathy Schrock's Assessment and Rubric Information
Ben Franklin's final plea for support: "I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them... I doubt, too, whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution... It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies.
Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its error, I sacrifice to the public good... I can not help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it would, with me...put his mane to the instrument."
The Constitution is not perfect, but that it is so close to perfection continues to amaze those that study it .
Graphics from Microsoft Clipart 2000 and Microsoft Clipart Online
Background Created in Adobe Photoshop 5.5
Questions or Comments email
