Activity Overview
Many people made notable contributions in establishing the United States and its government. Among these luminaries are the founding fathers. Remembering these men and their significant contributions is simple with a storyboard. Students can create and chart relevant information about any historical figures in a way that is fun and engaging. They may choose to highlight each individual in their own cell, or create a narrative that describes how they worked toward the compromises of the Constitution.
Students can choose to use the following Founding Fathers:
- George Washington
- James Madison
- Benjamin Franklin
- Alexander Hamilton
- John Adams
- Samuel Adams
- Thomas Jefferson
Alternate/Extended Activity
As an alternative activity, or a second step to this activity, check out our biography poster activity that can be easily customized for any era in history. Students can use this to focus on one of the founding fathers and create a more detailed biography of their beliefs, life, and careers.
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 highlighting key founding fathers and how they worked toward the Constitution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, create a narrative a summary of each person and their beliefs.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Many people made notable contributions in establishing the United States and its government. Among these luminaries are the founding fathers. Remembering these men and their significant contributions is simple with a storyboard. Students can create and chart relevant information about any historical figures in a way that is fun and engaging. They may choose to highlight each individual in their own cell, or create a narrative that describes how they worked toward the compromises of the Constitution.
Students can choose to use the following Founding Fathers:
- George Washington
- James Madison
- Benjamin Franklin
- Alexander Hamilton
- John Adams
- Samuel Adams
- Thomas Jefferson
Alternate/Extended Activity
As an alternative activity, or a second step to this activity, check out our biography poster activity that can be easily customized for any era in history. Students can use this to focus on one of the founding fathers and create a more detailed biography of their beliefs, life, and careers.
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 highlighting key founding fathers and how they worked toward the Constitution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, create a narrative a summary of each person and their beliefs.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Key Figures in the Constitutional Convention
Organize a Constitutional Convention role-play in your classroom
Engage your students by assigning each one a Founding Father or delegate to represent. This immersive activity helps students understand perspectives and debates from the Constitutional Convention.
Research your assigned founder’s background and viewpoints
Instruct students to investigate their delegate’s beliefs, achievements, and stances on key issues. This builds foundational knowledge and encourages independent learning.
Prepare talking points for the main Constitutional debates
Guide students to draft arguments about issues like representation, federalism, and the presidency based on their character’s viewpoint. This strengthens critical thinking and persuasive skills.
Facilitate a classroom debate simulating the Constitutional Convention
Encourage students to use their research and talking points to discuss, negotiate, and vote on Constitutional compromises. This active participation brings history to life and deepens understanding.
Reflect on the experience with a creative writing assignment
Ask students to write a journal entry or letter from their founder’s perspective summarizing the outcome and their feelings about the new Constitution. This consolidates learning and develops empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Figures in the Constitutional Convention
Who were the key figures at the Constitutional Convention?
Key figures at the Constitutional Convention included George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. These founding fathers played vital roles in shaping the U.S. Constitution and government.
What is a simple way for students to learn about the founding fathers?
Using a storyboard is an easy and engaging way for students to learn about the founding fathers. Students can create visual summaries and narratives to highlight each person's contributions to the Constitution.
How can I create a lesson about the Constitutional Convention for grades 6-12?
To create a lesson, have students research the Constitutional Convention and its key figures, then use storyboards or biography posters to summarize each person's role, beliefs, and impact. This approach encourages creativity and deeper understanding.
What alternative activities can help students explore the founding fathers?
Besides storyboards, students can make biography posters that focus on one founding father, highlighting their life, beliefs, and career. This activity works for any historical era and deepens research skills.
Why is it important for students to study the compromises made at the Constitutional Convention?
Studying the compromises at the Constitutional Convention helps students understand how the U.S. government was shaped through negotiation and collaboration, teaching valuable lessons about democracy and problem-solving.
More Storyboard That Activities
Constitutional Convention
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