Activity Overview
A great way to help students gain a better understanding of history is to have them identify and illustrate key terms and vocabulary for the events and time period they're studying. For this activity, students will create storyboards of the vocabulary terms for the Constitutional Convention of 1787. For each term, students should include a definition of the term along with a visual representation. Teachers may refer to the fifteen vocabulary terms provided below or use specific vocabulary terms from their classroom instruction.
Suggested Constitutional Convention Vocabulary Terms:
- Constitution
- Federalist
- Anti-Federalist
- Checks and Balances
- New Jersey Plan
- Virginia Plan
- Compromise
- Bill of Rights
- Congress
- Enumerated Powers
- Unanimous
- Northwest Ordinance
- Articles of Confederation
- Republic
- Precedent
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students may create a secondary storyboard that represents how these terms are used in their own lives or modern society. For example, students may choose to compromise and include a visual representation of how they have made a compromise in their everyday lives.
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
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words for The Constitutional Convention by creating visualizations.
- Choose at least three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Write a definition in your own words.
- If necessary, look up the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Activity Overview
A great way to help students gain a better understanding of history is to have them identify and illustrate key terms and vocabulary for the events and time period they're studying. For this activity, students will create storyboards of the vocabulary terms for the Constitutional Convention of 1787. For each term, students should include a definition of the term along with a visual representation. Teachers may refer to the fifteen vocabulary terms provided below or use specific vocabulary terms from their classroom instruction.
Suggested Constitutional Convention Vocabulary Terms:
- Constitution
- Federalist
- Anti-Federalist
- Checks and Balances
- New Jersey Plan
- Virginia Plan
- Compromise
- Bill of Rights
- Congress
- Enumerated Powers
- Unanimous
- Northwest Ordinance
- Articles of Confederation
- Republic
- Precedent
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students may create a secondary storyboard that represents how these terms are used in their own lives or modern society. For example, students may choose to compromise and include a visual representation of how they have made a compromise in their everyday lives.
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
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words for The Constitutional Convention by creating visualizations.
- Choose at least three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Write a definition in your own words.
- If necessary, look up the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Sentences | Vocabulary words are used correctly in the example sentences in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentences can be understood, but the vocabulary words are used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary words are not used correctly in the example sentences. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How Tos about Key Vocabulary for the Constitutional Convention
Organize a Constitutional Convention vocabulary word wall
Display key vocabulary terms on a dedicated wall or board in your classroom. Visual exposure helps students become familiar with important words and creates a reference point for ongoing learning.
Assign students to create illustrated vocabulary cards
Have each student pick a vocabulary term and draw an image that represents its meaning on an index card. Encourage creativity to make the words memorable and to reinforce understanding through art.
Facilitate a vocabulary scavenger hunt
Hide vocabulary cards around the classroom and challenge students to find them. Ask each student to explain the term they find, making learning interactive and fun.
Lead a vocabulary charades game
Divide the class into teams and have students act out vocabulary words without speaking. Promote participation and reinforce definitions through movement and collaboration.
Review vocabulary with quick daily warm-ups
Start each class with a brief activity, such as matching terms to definitions or using a word in a sentence. Consistent practice supports retention and builds student confidence with the material.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Vocabulary for the Constitutional Convention
What are key vocabulary words students should know for the Constitutional Convention?
Key vocabulary words for the Constitutional Convention include Constitution, Federalist, Anti-Federalist, Checks and Balances, New Jersey Plan, Virginia Plan, Compromise, Bill of Rights, Congress, Enumerated Powers, Unanimous, Northwest Ordinance, Articles of Confederation, Republic, and Precedent. Teaching these helps students understand the event’s concepts and debates.
How can I teach Constitutional Convention vocabulary in a fun and engaging way?
Use visual vocabulary boards or storyboards where students illustrate each term and write its definition in their own words. This activity makes learning interactive and helps students connect terms to real-life situations.
What is a storyboard activity for teaching Constitutional Convention terms?
A storyboard activity asks students to pick key terms, define them, and create visual scenes illustrating each word’s meaning. This method reinforces understanding through creativity and personal connection.
Can students connect Constitutional Convention vocabulary to their own lives?
Yes! Encourage students to create a secondary storyboard showing how terms like compromise or rights apply in their daily lives or modern society. This makes the vocabulary meaningful and relevant.
What grade levels is the Constitutional Convention vocabulary activity suitable for?
This activity is best for grades 6–12 and is designed for individual students to reinforce and develop their understanding of historical vocabulary.
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