Essential Questions 

1. What challenges did the U.S. face in creating the Republic?

2. What are the key ideas included in the Constitution and Bill of Rights?

3. How are present conditions affected by the Constitution, Bill of Rights and precedents set by early political decisions?

Content 

• Articles of Confederation

• Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

• Great Compromise

Skills 

Bloom's Taxonomy

Webb's Depth of Knowledge

1. Reading for comprehension

2. Arranging for information

3. Writing to summarize

Sample Outline

• Textbooks

• "Hero" Program

• Settlement Maps

• Outline Maps

• DVD's

• "America: The Story of Us" Video

Launching the Republic DSPA

SS.8.1

SS.8.3

SS.8.4

CCSS: Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects 6-12

CCSS: Grades 6-8

Reading: History/Social Studies

Key Ideas and Details 

1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

RH.6-8.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

RH.6-8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

RH.6-8.6. Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).

Writing

Text Types and Purposes

1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

WHST.6-8.1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

WHST.6-8.1a. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

WHST.6-8.1b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

WHST.6-8.1c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

WHST.6-8.1d. Establish and maintain a formal style.

WHST.6-8.1e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

WHST.6-8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

WHST.6-8.2a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

WHST.6-8.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

WY: Social Studies

WY: Grades 5-8

Citizenship / Government / Democracy

1. Citizenship/ Government/ Democracy

Students demonstrate how structures of power, authority, and governance have developed historically and continue to evolve.

SS8.1.1 Students identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen.

SS8.2.2 Students understand the historical perspective and issues involved in the development of the U.S. Constitution.

SS8.2.3 Students recognize the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other amendments and are able to identify those principles in real-life scenarios.

Time, Continuity & Change

4. Time, Continuity and Change

Students demonstrate an understanding of the people, events, problems, ideas, and cultures that were significant in the history of our community, state, nation and world.

SS8.4.1 Students identify people, events, problems, conflicts, and ideas and explain their historical significance.

SS8.4.2 Students discuss current events to better understand the world in which they live.

SS8.4.3 Students analyze the impact of historical events and people on present conditions, situations, or circumstances.