The Bill of Rights
Choose three of the first 10 amendments in the
Constitution and tell why you think it’s
important in this 8th-grade U.S. history
WebQuest!
Patrick Sieler
WebQuest Introduction
The Bill of Rights
 In 1788, a new constitution replaced the failed Articles of
Confederation.
 As brilliant as it was, many opponents felt the new
constitution failed to list the rights of the people.
 Nevertheless, 9 of the 13 original states ratified the
constitution with the promise that a bill of rights would be
added.
 Sure enough, by 1791, nine of 13 states passed 10
amendments to the constitution we know as the Bill of
Rights.
 In this WebQuest, you will investigate three of the 10
amendments and write about their importance today.
8.2.3, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, 8.3.7
The Tasks
You will write a five-paragraph essay explaining and
elaborating on three rights found in the Bill of Rights.
Paragraph 1: Write an introduction explaining the need for a
Bill of Rights and the debate over the adoption of the Bill
of Rights (Why did some framers feel so strongly that it
was important? What was their experience as colonists
that made them feel this way?) Next, tell the three rights
in the Bill of Rights you feel are most important. These
are the ones you will write about in the body of your
essay.
Paragraph 2, 3, and 4: For the body of your essay, you will
write three paragraphs. Each paragraph will focus on
one right from the Bill of Rights. Your paragraphs will
follow the chunk paragraph form that is given to you.
Paragraph 5: You will write a short concluding paragraph
restating the importance of the Bill of Rights.
The Process – Here’s what
you do
Part 1: Gathering Materials:
 First, find your reading notes 10, or print out a copy
of the Bill of Rights at home.
 Next, find the chunk paragraph form given to you, or
print a copy of the form at home. You will use it to
construct paragraphs 2, 3, and 4.
The Process - Here’s what you
do (cont.)
Part 2: Researching the essay.
 You will use your textbook, library materials or the
pre-selected Internet links to research the first 10
amendments in the Bill of Rights.
 You will also use Internet links to find how the
amendments apply today. Go to the Resource
section and click on the links provided.
 Look closely at the next slides that tell how your
essay is evaluated. Be sure you include ALL the
required information for your essay.
The Process - Here’s what you do
(cont.)
Part 3 : Writing the essay.
 After gathering facts about each of your amendments,
use the chunk paragraph form to fill in the information.
 You will type and print out your essay on a computer.
Make sure it is double-spaced in 12-point Times-Roman
or Helvetica font. You may write out your complete essay
on lined paper in blue or black ink.
 Attach your chunk paragraph form to your final essay.
 Look closely at the next slides that tell how your essay is
evaluated. Be sure you include ALL the required information for
your essay.
Evaluation - How is it graded?
 Your essay is worth 100 points. Basically, your
essay should:
 Be five paragraphs in length.
 Paragraphs are make up of 4-5 complete sentences.
 You use facts and evidence in your essay from
books and/or the Internet (stay away from short,
general statements you make up)
 Be free of spelling and grammatical errors
 Follow the format of the chunk paragraph form.
Resources
Use the Internet, or click on the picture to find information.
The Bill of Rights
Resources (cont.)
Use the Internet, or click on the picture
to find out information on.
Amendments 1 to 5
1
2
3
4
5
Resources (cont.)
Use the Internet, or click on the picture
to find out information on.
Amendments 6 to 10
6
7
8
9
10
Conclusion
You’re ready to begin!
 Remember to use computer lab time wisely
 The chunk paragraph form is your friend
 You can do this assignment using any computer.
 Your finished essay is due in class on Thursday, February
27.
 No late work is accepted.
8.2.3, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, 8.3.7