Activity Overview
In this activity, students will create storyboards that reflect real-life scenarios where the Bill of Rights are brought into question. Each scenario that a student creates needs to include an action, or actions, that may or may not violate the Bill of Rights. Students should create scenarios that actually, or could potentially, happen in our society and include the description of each scenario in the space below.
Do They Have a Right?
- In the city of Riverbend, a group of citizens wanted to meet in a city park to worship nature. They called their organization the Followers of the Sun. They were told to leave as local police thought they were annoying the other park visitors. Can the police stop them from meeting in the park?
- The students at Longmeadow Middle School held an assembly after school, in front of the building. The purpose of the assembly was to express the students' desire for longer school days and a longer school year. Do the students have the right?
- Jill is ten years old. She has very religious parents that make her attend church every Sunday. Jill tells them that she does not want to go, but her parents bring her anyway. Are Jill's parents violating the 1st Amendment?
Extended Activity
In this extension activity, students will present their scenarios to a partner, a group, or the whole class. The students will describe the scenario that they created and allow their partner, group, or class to argue whether the Bill of Rights protects the actions of the citizens. Teachers may choose to create a classroom competition out of this activity by using a scorecard to keep track of the student responses. Teachers can use the scores to evaluate areas the class or students needs to focus on.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting scenes or scenarios that may or may not violate the Bill of Rights and identify why or why not
- Use the template provided by your teacher
- In the description boxes, describe the scenario
- Create an illustration that demonstrates each scenario using appropriate scenes, characters, and items
- Optional: In the title boxes, identify whether this scenario violates or follows the Bill of Rights
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will create storyboards that reflect real-life scenarios where the Bill of Rights are brought into question. Each scenario that a student creates needs to include an action, or actions, that may or may not violate the Bill of Rights. Students should create scenarios that actually, or could potentially, happen in our society and include the description of each scenario in the space below.
Do They Have a Right?
- In the city of Riverbend, a group of citizens wanted to meet in a city park to worship nature. They called their organization the Followers of the Sun. They were told to leave as local police thought they were annoying the other park visitors. Can the police stop them from meeting in the park?
- The students at Longmeadow Middle School held an assembly after school, in front of the building. The purpose of the assembly was to express the students' desire for longer school days and a longer school year. Do the students have the right?
- Jill is ten years old. She has very religious parents that make her attend church every Sunday. Jill tells them that she does not want to go, but her parents bring her anyway. Are Jill's parents violating the 1st Amendment?
Extended Activity
In this extension activity, students will present their scenarios to a partner, a group, or the whole class. The students will describe the scenario that they created and allow their partner, group, or class to argue whether the Bill of Rights protects the actions of the citizens. Teachers may choose to create a classroom competition out of this activity by using a scorecard to keep track of the student responses. Teachers can use the scores to evaluate areas the class or students needs to focus on.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting scenes or scenarios that may or may not violate the Bill of Rights and identify why or why not
- Use the template provided by your teacher
- In the description boxes, describe the scenario
- Create an illustration that demonstrates each scenario using appropriate scenes, characters, and items
- Optional: In the title boxes, identify whether this scenario violates or follows the Bill of Rights
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Bill of Rights Scenarios: Do They Have a Right?
Engage students with a real-world Bill of Rights classroom debate
Spark thoughtful discussion by turning scenario analysis into a lively classroom debate. This activity helps students practice critical thinking and strengthens their understanding of constitutional rights.
Choose or assign compelling scenario prompts
Select or let students pick scenarios that raise questions about the Bill of Rights. Use relevant, age-appropriate examples so students can easily relate and form opinions.
Form groups and establish debate rules
Divide your class into small groups and explain clear, respectful debate guidelines. Encourage listening as well as sharing ideas for a positive learning environment.
Assign roles for structure and fairness
Have students take on roles such as presenter, pro-argument, con-argument, and judge. This ensures everyone participates and helps keep the debate focused.
Facilitate and debrief the debate
Guide the discussion, prompt deeper thinking, and help students reflect on the strengths of each argument. Wrap up by connecting the activity to real-life implications of the Bill of Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bill of Rights Scenarios: Do They Have a Right?
What is the Bill of Rights Scenarios classroom activity?
The Bill of Rights Scenarios activity is a lesson where students create storyboards depicting real-life situations that may or may not violate the Bill of Rights, encouraging critical thinking about constitutional rights.
How can students decide if a scenario violates the Bill of Rights?
Students should analyze the actions in each scenario and compare them to the protections in the Bill of Rights, considering whether those rights are being upheld or infringed upon in real-life contexts.
What are some examples of Bill of Rights scenarios for middle school students?
Examples include: citizens being told to leave a park for peaceful assembly, students holding a protest for school changes, or a child being required to attend religious services by parents.
What is the best way to facilitate classroom discussions about Bill of Rights scenarios?
The best way is to have students present their scenarios to partners or groups, allow debate on whether rights are protected, and use scorecards to track understanding and encourage engagement.
How can teachers assess student understanding in a Bill of Rights scenarios activity?
Teachers can assess understanding by reviewing student-created storyboards, listening to group discussions, and using scorecards during debates to identify areas needing more focus.
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