Valley Forge Middle School
Social Studies 8
Mr. Hopkins/Mr. Holmes
November 2011
An amendment…in 6 words.
Is this really possible?
The concept of writing “small” is one that we’ll borrow from English class- I’m sure that Mrs. Pacitti and Ms. Petrilli won’t mind! In the spirit of other “small” writing formats, such as “faux Tweeting,” we are going to attempt a very unique project.
The 27 amendments to the United States Constitution are certainly chock full of text- so much so that there is no way Mr. Hopkins nor Mr. Holmes would expect their students to memorize it all. As a result, the following project is a way for each student to do the following:
1- Become very familiar with what each of the 27 amendments states.
2- Demonstrate an ability to write “small” by constructing each amendment in only 6 words.
3- Demonstrate an ability to work with Prezi.
4- Demonstrate an ability to think and construct in a creatively collaborative manner.
*You will work with a partner of your choice to complete the above project*
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Step 1. Weekend Homework: due Monday 11.14.11
Task: The 27 amendments in one sentence each!
-You must carefully examine the list of the amendments provided in this packet on the following page.
-On the page provided, re-write each of the amendments in ONE SENTENCE in your own words! Your goal is to gain an overall understanding of each amendment by putting the text into your own language.
-Test your knowledge of the amendments by trying one of the following games.
-This step is worth 10 points. You must show your work to Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes in order to receive the designated credit.
Step 2. Class: Monday 11.14.11
Task: Drafting the amendments in 6 words.
-You must first go to the teacher page for Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes. On this page you will download the document: 6 word amendment draft. You will work with this document on the computer as a Word Doc so that you can edit/revise and save your draft.
-Next, you will use your weekend work to help you narrow the language of each one sentence amendment. In other words, your job is to modify each amendment into a 6 word statement. You may not use more than 6 words, so be very mindful the words chosen in order to express the main point of the amendment.
-Remember that you are working in a partnership so please share the work burden!
-This step is worth 20 points. You must submit your work to Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes at the end of class in order to receive the designated credit.
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Step 3. Class: Tuesday 11.15.11
Task: Finalizing the amendments in 6 words.
Assigning a visual to each amendment.
-First, each partner group must review and finalize the 6 word amendments and print a copy to submit to Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes. The value of this item is 10 points.
-Second, each partner group must carefully select an appropriate image that they believe illustrates the main point of each 6 word amendment. The images should be saved in a folder so that they can be used in the next step with Prezi.
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Step 4. Class: Wednesday 11.16.11
Task: Constructing a Prezi with the 6 word amendments.
-First, the partners must take a few minutes and watch the Prezi tutorial posted on Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes teacher page. IF the partners both have experience using Prezi, they may elect to skip this step.
-Second, the partners must log onto Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Holmes’ Prezi account, in which they will work on this final step of the project. The login and password information are posted on the teacher pages.
-Third, the partners will work to combine their 6 word amendments and their selected visuals to weave a path through the Prezi.
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Step 5. Class: Thursday 11.17.11
Task: Constructing a Prezi with the 6 word amendments.
Evaluating the Prezis.
-First, partners will complete any final items on their Prezi.
-Second, partners will take time to view Prezi projects and then evaluate the overall process through the survey.
-This step is worth 20 points.