Summary
The first section of the film “Key Constitutional Concepts” examines the creation of the U.S. Constitution and why it came about. The centerpiece of the lesson is this section of the film. Before viewing the film, students are asked to respond to a key question, which will set a conversation in motion for the whole lesson.
The teacher then introduces the film by providing key facts about the Constitutional Convention. To ensure engagement during the film, students are given the task of collecting a list of the many conflicts and compromises that went into the creation of a new American government.
The lesson is completed with students reading Benjamin Franklin’s closing speech at the convention. Students are asked to use information collected in this section of the film to analyze Franklin’s comments.
The estimated time for this lesson is one 45-minute class period.