8th Grade Government Projects

Shay's Rebellion Comic Strip with Standard Based Rubric

Mastery Rubric

Your comic strip shows understanding of debt, depression, & rebellion.

Your Comic Strip identifies the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation.

Your Comic strip analyzes the ideas behind America’s founding documents.

Your Comic strip express’s the impact of past events & documents that surrounding the Articles of Confederation lead to the writing of the Constitution.

Total: ____/16

Comments or Suggestions for Improvement to Expert Level

SS.7.C.1.5

Identify how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the Constitution.

Overview:

Benchmark Clarifications:

Students will identify the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation (i.e., Congress had no power to tax, to regulate trade, or to enforce its laws; the national government lacked a national court system [judicial branch] and central leadership [executive branch]; and changes to the Articles required unanimous consent of the 13 states).

*Bonus item included*

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

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Introducing my comprehensive educational package: "From British Rule to the Constitution: An Interactive Exploration." This teacher-created product is designed to engage students in grades 8-12 with dynamic, multimedia learning tools that delve into the pivotal moments and documents that shaped the United States.
Included Activities:
1. Shays' Rebellion Comic Strip
Dive into the dramatic events of Shays' Rebellion with an engaging comic strip that brings this historical uprising to life. Students will visually explore the causes, key figures, and outcomes of the rebellion, understanding its critical role in highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
2. Goldilocks and the Three Attempts at Government Comic Strip
In this clever twist on a classic tale, students will follow Goldilocks as she navigates three forms of government: British Rule, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. This comic strip humorously and effectively illustrates the challenges and solutions found in each system, helping students grasp complex concepts in a relatable way.
3. Reader's Theater Script and Video
Students can bring history to life by performing a reader's theater script that covers the transition from British Rule to the adoption of the Constitution. Paired with a professionally-produced video, this activity enhances comprehension through performance and visual storytelling.
4. Articles of Confederation Reading Worksheet and Flashcards
This detailed worksheet breaks down the Articles of Confederation, examining its strengths and weaknesses. Accompanied by flashcards, students can reinforce their understanding of key terms, figures, and events, ensuring a solid grasp of this foundational document.
Digital Enhancements:
To extend learning beyond the classroom, my product includes live links embedded within the PDF. These links provide direct access to Google Doc versions of all activities for easy distribution and customization. Additionally, links to a specially curated Quizlet set and a YouTube video ensure that students have access to interactive and multimedia resources to further their understanding.

• Google Docs: Editable versions of the comic strips, theater script, and worksheets for seamless integration into Google Classroom or other digital platforms.
• Quizlet: A tailored set of flashcards and quizzes to reinforce key concepts and terms.
• YouTube Video: An engaging visual summary that complements the reader's theater script, providing a comprehensive overview of the transition from British Rule to the Constitution.

This interactive package not only makes history engaging but also reinforces learning through a variety of mediums. Perfect for history teachers aiming to provide a thorough and engaging exploration of early American government, "From British Rule to the Constitution: An Interactive Exploration" ensures that students will both understand and appreciate this critical period in U.S. history.

HOW TO PROPOSE A BILL PROJECT: GETTING YOUR CONCERNS OUT THERE BIG IDEAS: What is a problem in the state of Florida or right here in Lee County that you would like to change? Lets work together to create a solution. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: 1. What is a bill? 2. How does a bill become a law? 3. What are checks that the legislative and executive branch has on each other in the law making process? SITUATION: You will be taking on the role of a lobbyist. During these crazy times Florida Legislature is very busy trying to keep us out of another Government shutdown. They have been receiving many petitions and concerns about how things are being run in the state of Florida, especially in areas such as Lee County. You have been chosen to propose a bill dealing with an issue that you feel needs the most addressing. Make sure that your bill is well researched and carefully stated seeing as Florida Legislature is so busy that they are not going to be able to meet with you. Your proposal will be submitted in poster form and due to government shortages; you will be providing a voting box. Please make sure that you advertise your bill well and that there is now question left unanswered, seeing as you will not be there to answer them. Good Luck and let the problem-solving process commence. Includes: -Name Placards for members of the Senate with speech and debate procedures for each round of Committee -Name Placards for members of the House with speech and debate procedures for each round of Committee -Powerpoint for writing Legislation -Sample Legislation -Blank Student Legislation Worksheet -Powerpoint Prepping for Speeches during Committee -Powerpoint for each round of Committee with built-in timers, what the students say, the purpose of each round, and who says what. Tags: Mock Congress, Mock Legislature, Mosk Bill, Bill Fair, Bill Process, Voting, Legislation, Bill.

The recent Supreme Court decision in Trump v. The United States left many to wonder about the length and breadth of Presidential Immunity. This is one of the most important Supreme Court opinions authored to date and has been the subject of much controversy. This resource has students explore the ruling by watching a video, reading a 4 page article, answering questions about the decision and then completing an engaging extension activity.

What's included:

• Video Overview: A captivating video that breaks down the concept of Presidential Immunity, perfect for visual learners.
• Article Insight: A comprehensive article that dives deep into the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. The United States.
• Interactive Worksheet: Reinforce learning with thought-provoking questions and activities designed to test understanding and spark critical discussions.
• Extension Activity: Students will create a PSA about Presidential Immunity.

This lesson is designed to be done in groups, but could also be done individually.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, please check out my store at Nemo's Nook.

The Founding Fathers realized they had to begin to create a new government that would be ready to go once the American Revolution was over. They had many models to choose from for this new government. Students will work with one of six potential types of government for this activity:

Monarchy

Dictatorship/Totalitarian

Aristocracy

Oligarchy

Democracy

Polity

They will research their assigned government's "ingredients" as well as its pros and cons. They will then design a cereal and cereal box cover (templates included) to present to the class. There is a google slide presentation included to walk students through the project instructions.

As an extension, students can use construction paper to create their covers and cover an actual cereal box for display. This is a simple, creative and fun project that students always enjoy while learning above the different types of governments.

This activity can be done digitally or on paper.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, please check out my store at Nemo's Nook.

Explore the rich history of the United States Supreme Court with this comprehensive poster project! Perfect for history and social studies classes, this project encourages students to explore and present the life and legacy of a Supreme Court Justice in a creative and informative way.

What's Included:

• Detailed Project Guidelines: Step-by-step instructions to help students create their posters.
• Research Framework: Key topics and questions to guide students in their research. (includes suggested websites to get them started)
• Design Tips: Suggestions for creating visually appealing and well-organized posters.
• Rubric for Assessment: Clear criteria to evaluate students' work on research accuracy, organization, visual appeal, content completeness, and creativity.

Benefits:

• Engages Critical Thinking: Students analyze and synthesize information about a Supreme Court Justice.
• Fosters Creativity: Encourages the use of visuals and creative elements to make learning fun.
• Flexible and Adaptable: Suitable for various grade levels and can be tailored to fit different classroom needs.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

Please provide your feedback and receive TeachShare credits towards you next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

Engage your students in a meaningful and interactive learning experience with this Classroom Constitution Project! Modeled after the US Constitution, this project guides students through the process of creating their own classroom constitution, helping them understand the foundational principles of government and citizenship.

What's Included:

• Step-by-Step Project Guide: Detailed instructions to help students draft, and present their newly written constitution.
• Historical Context: Brief overviews and discussions about the US Constitution to provide a strong foundation for the project.
• Rubric: A comprehensive 24 point rubric to assess students' participation, understanding, and final product.

Key Features:

• Interactive and Collaborative: Encourages student collaboration and critical thinking.
• Real-World Application: Helps students appreciate the importance of rules, responsibilities, and democratic processes.
• Teacher-Friendly: Easy to implement with clear instructions and ready-to-use materials.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

Please provide your feedback and receive TeachShare credits towards you next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

Students often can/will recite the basics of SOME of the Bill of Rights but often do not know how they apply to their personal life. They believe that it was written years ago and does not have any relevant meaning to the HERE and NOW. With this interactive activity, my US History and Government classes dived into the Bill of Rights and learned how to apply each of the Amendments to their personal life. This brought about outstanding debates in class (and online) about civil rights and liberties.

This was created as a PDF document to use in the classroom. There is also a Digital Learning Format where it can be assigned to students to complete in a virtual setting such as Google Classroom, Canvas, etc.

I hope your students enjoy this as much as mine did!

Click HERE for savings on my Bill of Rights Bundle!

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Students struggle with understanding the Bill of Rights and how it applies to their life. This bundle has:

* A self-grading interactive BOOM CARD game

* A digital Fill-In-The-Blank activity where the students break down the Bill of Rights into "common language" and I CAN statements

* 28 slide PPT presentation covering, in detail, each amendment PLUS 2 scenarios per amendment

*28 slide Google Slides Presentation covering, in detail, each amendment PLUS 2 scenarios per amendment

* Bill of Rights Anchor Poster

These activities lead to a GREAT synchronous or asynchronous discussion!

BONUS: Included in the Bundle are directions to access a FREE Kahoots review game with your students.

Note: This contains a Boom Card download. To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). 

HOW TO GET TeachShare CREDITS ON FUTURE PURCHASES:

- Go to MY PURCHASES page.

- You will see a PROVIDE FEEDBACK button.

- Please leave a star rating and a comment. This will help lower the cost for future purchases!

Remember to click the GREEN STAR under my name to become a follower!
(c) TheTeachingDoc This material is for personal/classroom use only. Click Here for Terms of Use