Storyboard That: 5Ws Analysis of Tinker v. Des Moines

Q: What are the 5 Ws of the Tinker v. Des Moines case?

The 5 Ws of the Tinker v. Des Moines case are: Who (students, school officials), What (a Supreme Court case about student free speech), When (1965–1969), Where (Des Moines, Iowa), and Why (students wanted to protest the Vietnam War by wearing armbands, leading to a dispute over First Amendment rights in schools).

Q: How can I teach the Tinker v. Des Moines case using a 5 Ws activity?

To teach Tinker v. Des Moines with a 5 Ws activity, have students research and fill out Who, What, When, Where, and Why about the case, create brief summaries for each, and add relevant images or scenes to make learning more engaging and visual.

Q: Why is Tinker v. Des Moines important for student rights?

Tinker v. Des Moines is significant because the Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school, setting an important precedent for free speech and expression in public education.

Q: What is the main lesson students learn from the Tinker v. Des Moines decision?

The main lesson is that students have constitutional rights in school, but those rights can be limited if their actions disrupt learning. The case balances free expression with maintaining an orderly school environment.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

Creating a 5 Ws analysiscomplete a 5 Ws analysis of the Tinker v. Des Moines case, answering the questions Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Their answers should be researched, and this activity is a great way for students to review what they already have learned.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Tinker v. Des Moines case: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
In the descriptions, answer the question.
Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: 5 Ws of Social Studies and History

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

5 Ws Rubric

Rubric that can be used with any 5 Ws activity.

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions.	The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate.	The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information.
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.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Tinker v. Des Moines case: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
In the descriptions, answer the question.
Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: 5 Ws of Social Studies and History

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

5 Ws Rubric

Rubric that can be used with any 5 Ws activity.

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions.	The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate.	The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information.
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.

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How Tos about 5Ws of Tinker vs. Des Moines Case

Set clear expectations for student research

Clarify what sources students should use and how detailed their answers should be. Providing examples and a list of suggested websites or textbooks helps students focus and improves research quality.

Model the 5Ws analysis process for students

Demonstrate how to break down a court case into Who, What, When, Where, and Why using a simple example. Think aloud as you analyze a familiar story or event so students understand your reasoning.

Guide students to create visual representations

Encourage students to illustrate each 'W' with images that capture key details. Visuals deepen understanding and make the analysis more memorable for all learners.

Use peer review to check 5Ws answers

Have students exchange their completed analyses with a partner and provide specific feedback on accuracy and completeness. Peer review promotes deeper engagement and helps spot errors.

Connect the 5Ws to broader civics discussions

Facilitate a class conversation on how the facts (the 5Ws) of Tinker v. Des Moines relate to student rights and the First Amendment. Making real-world connections strengthens critical thinking and relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions about 5Ws of Tinker vs. Des Moines Case

What are the 5 Ws of the Tinker v. Des Moines case?

The 5 Ws of the Tinker v. Des Moines case are: Who (students, school officials), What (a Supreme Court case about student free speech), When (1965–1969), Where (Des Moines, Iowa), and Why (students wanted to protest the Vietnam War by wearing armbands, leading to a dispute over First Amendment rights in schools).

How can I teach the Tinker v. Des Moines case using a 5 Ws activity?

To teach Tinker v. Des Moines with a 5 Ws activity, have students research and fill out Who, What, When, Where, and Why about the case, create brief summaries for each, and add relevant images or scenes to make learning more engaging and visual.

Why is Tinker v. Des Moines important for student rights?

Tinker v. Des Moines is significant because the Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school, setting an important precedent for free speech and expression in public education.

What is the main lesson students learn from the Tinker v. Des Moines decision?

The main lesson is that students have constitutional rights in school, but those rights can be limited if their actions disrupt learning. The case balances free expression with maintaining an orderly school environment.

What are some quick ways to review the Tinker v. Des Moines case in class?

Quick review ideas include having students complete a 5 Ws chart, discuss the facts and impact in small groups, create summary posters, or participate in a mock debate about student speech rights based on the Tinker case.