DRAFT

Contitutional Convention – Interdisciplinary Project

Mr. Cook – 7th Social Studies    Mrs. Gehrig – 7th English Arts     
 Mrs. Keough – Library    Miss Szykowny- Special Education 

Overview:  As part of our 7th Grade exploration of American History, our students will be investigating the creation of the United States Constitution.  To do this, students will “recreate” the Philadelphia Convention at which the Constitution was written. Using our research and writing process, the students will create biographies of the main delegates to the actual Constitution and use this information to understand the  

This lesson will include be carried out jointly by the Social Studies, English, Special Education, and the Library Media Center.  Each area will contribute 

Social Studies:

Content Objectives

Students will 

1.	be able to explain the reasons why the Convention was convened in Philadelphia in 1787. (Review from previous lesson)
2.	be able to identify the names and background of the major participants at the Convention.
3.	be able identify and discuss the major issues at the Convention and tell how the delegates dealt with these issues
4.	be able to outline the process the delegates created for the ratification of the new document.

Process:  (SS-Social Studies Class) (LMC-Library Media Center) (E – English Arts)

The Students will

	Part I   Introduction

1.	complete a previous lesson which covers the issues and events which led to the calling of the Convention. (ss)
2.	identify the time and place that the Convention was held (ss)
3.	be introduced to the Constitutional Convention Activity  (ss)

Part II  Biographical Research  (George Washington is used as model)

4.	introduce Biographical Research activity and review research process (ss) or (e)
5.	introduction to Library resources ( LMC)
6.	carry out research 
7.	organize data 
8.	write biographies
9.	create book of biographies to be handed out in class.
10.	create info poster on delegate to be used in Part III
11.	

Part III  The Convention Begins