Bill of Rights Breakdown

This lesson is a follow-up lesson to reiterate the major ideas of the Bill of Rights for the purpose of retention. The students have already worked individually to take notes, draw pictures, analyze a rap video and create a mini-act-out of the Bill of Rights.

1. Divide students in to mixed-ability groups of 3-4
2. Students are given the assignment to create 10 scenarios to act-out depicting a real-world use and explanation of the Bill of Rights that kids their age would comprehend. Students will first write out a plan for their skit, including characters they will use, dialogue, setting, etc... Then students will video their work using the "Flip" video cameras. This may be done on school property or organized by the students at an out-of-school location.
3. Students will complete the video editing process outside of class using the "Flip" software provided or video editing software of their choosing (iMovie or Windows Movie Maker). They may use animation, special effects, music, voice-over or any other tool that helps to make their video more appealing to the middle school audience.
4. The scenarios must introduce each amendment, show a real-world application of how the amendment protects our rights as citizens, and finally summarize the importance of that amendment. The scenarios may be serious or humorous, but must be relevant.
5. Students have several weeks to complete the task both in and out of class. They may use any props that they bring or make and must present the final product to the rest of the class. Each student in the group should show equal participation as the group members will be grading each other for their contribution and input.