Hamilton: The Constitutional Convention Rap Battle
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Hamilton: The Constitutional Convention Rap Battle

Grade 8Social StudiesHistory4 days
In this project, 8th-grade students become delegates to the Constitutional Convention and use music to explore the voices and tensions that shaped the U.S. Constitution. Students will research key figures, analyze different viewpoints, and express their understanding through a rap or song. The project connects historical debates to contemporary issues, fostering an understanding of the Constitution's enduring relevance and promoting collaboration and creative synthesis of information.
Constitutional ConventionU.S. ConstitutionFederalismSeparation of PowersChecks and BalancesIndividual RightsMusical Performance
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as delegates to the Constitutional Convention, use the power of music to capture the voices and tensions that shaped the U.S. Constitution, and how do these historical debates continue to echo in today's society?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did the debates and compromises during the Constitutional Convention shape the fundamental principles of American government?
  • In what ways does the structure of the U.S. Constitution, including federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights reflect the concerns of both the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?
  • How can the arts be used to interpret historical events and convey the perspectives of historical figures?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to explain the historical context surrounding the Constitutional Convention.
  • Students will be able to analyze the different viewpoints and compromises that shaped the U.S. Constitution.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of key constitutional principles, including federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights.
  • Students will be able to creatively synthesize historical information and express it through a musical performance (rap or song).
  • Students will be able to connect historical debates to contemporary issues, recognizing the enduring relevance of the Constitution.
  • Students will be able to collaborate effectively with peers to research, write, and perform their song.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Founding Fathers Face-Off

Begin with a "Founding Fathers Face-Off" debate, where the teacher (or student volunteers) role-play famous figures arguing opposing viewpoints on key constitutional issues. This provides a dynamic and engaging introduction to the core debates that shaped the Constitution.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Convention Context Creators: Study Guide Edition

Students will research the historical context of the Constitutional Convention, focusing on the key issues and figures involved. The research findings will be used to populate a study guide.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the events leading up to the Constitutional Convention.
2. Identify key figures who participated in the Convention and their backgrounds.
3. Outline the major issues that the delegates needed to address (e.g., representation, slavery, federal power).
4. Compile your findings into a structured study guide.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed study guide outlining the key events, figures, and issues that led to the Constitutional Convention.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain the historical context surrounding the Constitutional Convention.
Activity 2

Viewpoint Voyage

Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to understand the different viewpoints of delegates on issues like federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, and how these led to compromises.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select at least three key issues debated during the Convention (e.g., representation, slavery, federal power).
2. Research the viewpoints of different delegates on these issues using primary and secondary sources.
3. Create a chart comparing and contrasting these viewpoints.
4. Analyze how these different viewpoints led to specific compromises in the Constitution.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative analysis chart outlining the viewpoints of different delegates and the compromises they reached.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to analyze the different viewpoints and compromises that shaped the U.S. Constitution.
Activity 3

Principles Power-Up

Students will create an informational guide explaining key constitutional principles. This guide will serve as the foundation for their song lyrics.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Define federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights in your own words.
2. Provide examples of how each principle is reflected in the Constitution.
3. Explain the importance of each principle in maintaining a balanced government.
4. Compile your explanations and examples into a comprehensive guide.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn informational guide defining and explaining federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights, tailored for use in songwriting.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of key constitutional principles, including federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights.
Activity 4

Lyric Lab

Students will write lyrics for their song that capture the essence of the Constitutional Convention debates and connect them to modern-day issues.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a pre-existing song melody to adapt your lyrics to.
2. Write lyrics from the perspective of your assigned delegate, addressing their views on federalism, separation of powers, the Great Compromise, checks and balances, and individual rights.
3. Incorporate historical details and connect the historical debates to relevant contemporary issues.
4. Ensure the lyrics are historically accurate and engaging.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityComplete song lyrics that reflect the assigned delegate's viewpoint on key constitutional issues and connect those issues to contemporary society.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to creatively synthesize historical information and express it through a musical performance (rap or song). Students will be able to connect historical debates to contemporary issues, recognizing the enduring relevance of the Constitution.
Activity 5

Performance Polish

Students will rehearse and refine their song as a group, ensuring that the performance is engaging, accurate, and reflective of the historical context.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Rehearse the song as a group, focusing on vocal delivery, rhythm, and clarity.
2. Refine the lyrics based on feedback from peers and the teacher.
3. Plan the staging and presentation of the performance to enhance its impact.
4. Perform the song for the class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished musical performance (rap or song) that effectively communicates the delegate's viewpoint and connects historical debates to contemporary issues.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to collaborate effectively with peers to research, write, and perform their song.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Constitutional Convention Song Project Rubric

Category 1

Historical Accuracy and Context

Assessment of students' ability to accurately research and present historical information concerning the Constitutional Convention, its debates, and figures involved.
Criterion 1

Historical Research

Evaluation of the depth and accuracy of research conducted on the Constitutional Convention and its key figures.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research is thorough and insightful, covering all key figures and debates with exceptional depth and accuracy.

Proficient
3 Points

Research is detailed and mostly accurate, covering essential figures and debates.

Developing
2 Points

Research lacks depth or misses some key figures and debates. Some inaccuracies are present.

Beginning
1 Points

Research is superficial with significant gaps in coverage and accuracy of figures and debates.

Criterion 2

Contextual Understanding

Assessment of students' understanding of the historical context and significance of the Constitutional Convention debates.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits a sophisticated understanding of the historical context and significance, connecting debates effectively to broader U.S. history.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the historical context and significance, with some connections to broader U.S. history.

Developing
2 Points

Shows a basic understanding of historical context with limited connection to broader U.S. history.

Beginning
1 Points

Displays minimal understanding of historical context and fails to make connections to U.S. history.

Category 2

Analytical Depth and Insight

Evaluation of students' ability to analyze varying viewpoints and compromises from the Convention and their implications.
Criterion 1

Viewpoints Analysis

Analysis of different delegates' perspectives and the compromises made during the Convention.

Exemplary
4 Points

Analyzes viewpoints with clarity and depth, revealing insightful interpretations of how compromises were achieved and their implications.

Proficient
3 Points

Conducts a solid analysis of viewpoints and compromises with clear interpretations.

Developing
2 Points

Presents a rudimentary analysis with limited interpretation of viewpoints and compromises.

Beginning
1 Points

Little to no analysis of viewpoints and compromises, lacking interpretation.

Category 3

Creative Expression

Assessment of students' ability to creatively synthesize historical information into song lyrics and performance.
Criterion 1

Lyrics Creativity and Clarity

Evaluation of how creatively and clearly students express historical perspectives through song lyrics.

Exemplary
4 Points

Lyrics are exceptionally creative and clear, skillfully capturing historical perspectives with originality.

Proficient
3 Points

Lyrics are creative and clear, effectively expressing historical perspectives.

Developing
2 Points

Lyrics show some creativity but lack clarity in expressing historical perspectives.

Beginning
1 Points

Lyrics are unclear and demonstrate minimal creativity in expressing historical perspectives.

Criterion 2

Performance Quality

Evaluation of the overall quality and engagement level of the musical performance, including delivery and presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Performance is highly engaging and polished, with excellent delivery and presentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Performance is engaging with good delivery and presentation.

Developing
2 Points

Performance lacks engagement and polish, with inconsistent delivery.

Beginning
1 Points

Performance is unengaging and lacks polish, with poor delivery.

Category 4

Collaboration and Process

Assessment of students' collaboration and ability to work effectively as a group throughout the project.
Criterion 1

Collaboration and Contribution

Evaluation of students' ability to work effectively in groups, contributing meaningfully throughout the project.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consistently demonstrates leadership and collaboration, contributing significantly to the group's effort.

Proficient
3 Points

Works well with the group, contributing effectively to the group's work.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in the group but contributes unevenly or inconsistently.

Beginning
1 Points

Rarely participates or contributes, requiring support to engage with the group.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did taking on the role of a delegate and creating a song change your understanding of the Constitutional Convention and the debates that shaped the U.S. Constitution?

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Question 2

What was the most challenging aspect of writing lyrics that accurately reflected your delegate's viewpoint while also connecting to contemporary issues? How did you overcome this challenge?

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Question 3

To what extent do you believe that the musical performance effectively captured the essence of the historical debates and made them relatable to a modern audience?

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Question 4

In what ways did collaborating with your peers contribute to the success of your project? What did you learn about teamwork and communication through this experience?

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Question 5

How has this project changed your perspective on the relevance of the Constitution and its principles in today's society? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

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