Magna Carta
As a group you have been transported in time to the middle ages and find yourself in
direct contact with the ruthless King John. You have grown tired of King Johns endless
demands, and you know that he desperately needs your help. As your frustration grows
and with the knowledge that King John would lose his reign without your assistance,
your group and others like it have come together to draft a charter of rights and
freedoms. Remember, you are 13th-century barons, not 21st-century students. So
consider, what kind of rights and freedoms would you demand if you were in the
position of the 13th century barons and why would you want them?
Learning Objectives



I can examine and interpret SPED evidence to support and explain my
decision making process
I can show my understanding of historical perspectives and apply my
understanding through written format
Something for significance
You will be making a Charter of Rights and freedoms as a group with at least 8 different
points. This Charter of Rights and Freedoms will represent what you view as the most
important demands.
For example: Let’s say you are tired of the King being able to do what he wants, when
he wants, with no repercussions. Because of this you feel like he needs to be held to a
standard of laws, in which if he breaks them there would be punishment. How can you
write this wish out in the form of a charter demand? Remember, be specific in your
demands
After you have created your charter, you will be individually tasked with picking 3
demands of your choosing and elaborating on why you made these demands. For this,
remember to use SPED evidence to explain your thinking.
Instructions
1) Get into groups of 3 or 4.
2) Research: Get into small groups to understand the perspective of the rebel
barons of England in 1215. You will be able to utilize the information sheet and
any notes you may have made. Further, you can conduct your own additional
research. Once you have had enough time to research this topic you will assume
the roles of the rebel barons.
3) Planning: After you have completed research you will be able to draft the charter
of rights you want to have. Again remember you are 13th-century barons, not
21st-century students. Keep these questions in mind when drafting the charter:
What would 13th-century barons want and what their demands would be. You
will need to add 8 demands.
4) Reflection: Individually, choose 3 demands that your group included in the
charter. Explain your reasoning for including each demand. Make sure to use
SPED evidence in your reasoning, ensuring that you give the perspective of the
time and why the demand is necessary. Each demand should have a 4 sentence
explanation at minimum.
5) Present: After your group has drafted your charter of rights and you will then
present it to the class two demands to the class. The class will then vote on the
elements from each charter they like and create a class charter to present to
King John.
6) Review: At this point, we will go through the actual Magna Carta, and see if the
demands the class has come up with are similar to those of the barons.
Requirements
● Group: Charter of Rights and Freedoms
○ 8 demands
○ Demands within the charter need to be relevant, meaning you need to
make sure you are writing as you are a 13th-century baron.
● Individual:
○ 3 demands: Explain using SPED evidence why the demand is relevant
and would account for the perspective of a 13th-century baron.
● Group: Each group needs to have 2 point to present to the class
Due Date: /40