The Constitutional Convention of 1787, Lesson 1

This lesson focuses on the Articles of Confederation and its problems. All 3 activities within this lesson use primary sources. The second activity involves a short role-playing activity. And the third involves creating a timeline.

Though long, this lesson is definitely worthwhile. So let's see if we can help break it down so you can pick the parts you like.

1. Activity 1: Each of 7 groups gets 1 primary source on the issues colonists had with the Articles of Confederation (1 page each). Students answer written questions and then groups present to the class on their document. The class fills out a graphic organizer with info from the presentations.

   
   

2. Activity 2: Students read the Articles of Confederation (2 pages). Each of 7 groups answers a discussion question. Groups then present their answers to the class.

   
   

   Then, as part of a role playing game on the issues Congress had under the Articles of Confederation, each group is assigned a state. The state representatives debate a resolution. Each state gives a 1 minute speech on their support or dissention to the resolution. Each state (group) gets one vote. The teacher reads the potential consequences of each vote outcome (provided).

   
   

3. Activity 3: All students read Federalist No 15 (2 printed pages with small print). Then each group of 2-3 students is assigned a primary source (1-2 pages each) on an event leading up to the Constitutional Convention. Groups each make a 5x7" card with essential info on their event and present on that material to the class. Then the teacher creates a timeline with the cards.

Lesson 2 in the same series is under the "Constitution" heading.