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- Overview: This WebQuest was designed to help first grade students understand why the United States created the Constitution. The idea of a mission on a new planet that needs a constitution to regain order was used in hopes of sparking interest and ownership of the project.
- Possible anticipatory set:Divide class into two teams. Give Team A a simple math problem (grade level appropriate). When they answer it correctly, give Team A 30 points. Give Team B a math problem and 100 points when they answer it correctly. The object of the game is to score the team differently and unfairly. Students should quickly understand that the game is unfair. At the end of the game, allow students to discuss their reactions and feelings (Scholastic.com, n.d).
- Recommended Readings: The following books could be read before the WebQuest begins or afterwards for further understanding.
1. We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow
2. Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz
- Differentiations: Special needs students can draw or find pictures online to explain what laws they would like added to the constitution.
- Standards:
MO- Missouri GLEs
Subject: Social Studies
Grade Range: Grades K-4
Strand: Principles of Constitutional Democracy Process Standards
Big Idea: 1. Knowledge of the principles expressed in documents shaping constitutional democracy in the United States
Concept: A.1 Knowledge of the Constitution as the fundamental law of our nation
Grade: Grade 1
Grade Level Expectation: Explain how laws and rules are made and changed to promote the common good
Subject: Communication Arts
Strand: Reading
Big Idea: 3 Develop and apply skills and strategies to comprehend, analyze and evaluate nonfiction (such as biographies, newspapers, technical manuals) from a variety of cultures and times
Concept: A. Text Features
Grade: Grade 1
Grade Level Expectation: Identify and explain information in text, pictures, title and charts
Strand: Writing
Big Idea: 3 Write effectively in various forms and types of writing
Concept: A. Forms/Types/Modes of Writing
Grade: Grade 1
Grade Level Expectation: a. Use narrative, descriptive, expository, and/or persuasive features