The Bill of Rights

Choose three of the first 10 amendments in the Constitution and tell why you think it’s important in this 8th-grade U.S. history

WebQuest! Patrick Sieler

WebQuest Introduction The Bill of Rights

In 1788, a new constitution replaced the failed Articles of Confederation.

As brilliant as it was, many opponents felt the new constitution failed to list the rights of the people.

Nevertheless, 9 of the 13 original states ratified the constitution with the promise that a bill of rights would be added.

Sure enough, by 1791, nine of 13 states passed 10 amendments to the constitution we know as the Bill of Rights.

In this WebQuest, you will investigate three of the 10 amendments and write about their importance today.

8.2.3, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, 8.3.7

The TasksYou will write a five-paragraph essay explaining and elaborating

on three rights found in the Bill of Rights.

Paragraph 1: Write an introduction explaining the need for a Bill of Rights and the debate over the adoption of the Bill of Rights (Why did some framers feel so strongly that it was important? What was their experience as colonists that made them feel this way?) Next, tell the three rights in the Bill of Rights you feel are most important. These are the ones you will write about in the body of your essay.

Paragraph 2, 3, and 4: For the body of your essay, you will write three paragraphs. Each paragraph will focus on one right from the Bill of Rights. Your paragraphs will follow the chunk paragraph form that is given to you.

Paragraph 5: You will write a short concluding paragraph restating the importance of the Bill of Rights.

The Process – Here’s what you do

Part 1: Gathering Materials:First, find your reading notes 10, or print out a copy

of the Bill of Rights at home.Next, find the chunk paragraph form given to you, or

print a copy of the form at home. You will use it to construct paragraphs 2, 3, and 4.

The Process - Here’s what you do (cont.)

Part 2: Researching the essay.

You will use your textbook, library materials or the pre-selected Internet links to research the first 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights.

You will also use Internet links to find how the amendments apply today. Go to the Resource section and click on the links provided.

Look closely at the next slides that tell how your essay is evaluated. Be sure you include ALL the required information for your essay.

The Process - Here’s what you do (cont.)

Part 3 : Writing the essay.

After gathering facts about each of your amendments, use the chunk paragraph form to fill in the information.

You will type and print out your essay on a computer. Make sure it is double-spaced in 12-point Times-Roman or Helvetica font. You may write out your complete essay on lined paper in blue or black ink.

Attach your chunk paragraph form to your final essay. Look closely at the next slides that tell how your essay is

evaluated. Be sure you include ALL the required information for your essay.

Evaluation - How is it graded?Your essay is worth 100 points. Basically, your

essay should:Be five paragraphs in length.Paragraphs are make up of 4-5 complete sentences.You use facts and evidence in your essay from

books and/or the Internet (stay away from short, general statements you make up)

Be free of spelling and grammatical errors Follow the format of the chunk paragraph form.

ResourcesUse the Internet, or click on the picture to find information.

The Bill of Rights

Resources (cont.)Use the Internet, or click on the picture

to find out information on.

Amendments 1 to 5

1 2 3 4 5

Resources (cont.)Use the Internet, or click on the picture

to find out information on.

Amendments 6 to 10

6 7 8 9 10

ConclusionYou’re ready to begin!

Remember to use computer lab time wiselyThe chunk paragraph form is your friendYou can do this assignment using any computer.Your finished essay is due in class on Thursday, February

27. No late work is accepted.

8.2.3, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, 8.3.7