Different currencies, multiple armies, unreliable protection from thieves: class members experience these challenges playing a game that demonstrates life under the Articles of Confederation. After playing the game—which takes them on a trip from Virginia to Pennsylvania—learners write newspaper articles that explain why Virginia should ratify the new constitution. 

Concepts

the articles of confederation, early american history, ratification of the united states constitution, the constitutional convention, the constitution

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Play the board game to explore the challenges of life under the Articles of Confederation
• Using their new knowledge, pupils write recommendations on whether the country needs a new constitution

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson is second of three in the From the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution series 

Pros

• Role play and simulation is engaging and stimulating
• Materials included in the resource make using the game and structuring writing assignment simple
• Lesson is a creative way to teach difficult material

Cons

• Some resource links do not work

Common Core

W.5.1.a