Magna Carta and it's role
In this activity students will be introduced to the Magna Carta and it's role in the formation of the first parliament. Students will be a part of a mini role-play set in the reign of King John and the creation of the Magna Carta with the role of the English citizens and Baron's being played by the class. The situation that they will need to think about is: They are under the reign of a King who is demanding a lot of money and troops for long drawn-out wars. Those who don't join the war have to pay money to help support the war. The King is also arresting anyone who doesn't agree with his decisions or anger the King. If you aren't arrested you are made to pay a very large fine. The only person who is not getting punished in any way is The King who seems to be above the law. What should be done to help stop this madness continuing? What course of action do you think the citizens of England need to take to put a stop to it?
Students will in groups come up with an idea of what they might do to do try and fix this problem. The picture above will be projected up onto the board for students to look at and refer back to if they forget the back story. Once students have come up some ideas they will then post these ideas onto the Magna Carta Padlet board. These posts will be discussed and the class will need to come to a decision about what is going to be done. This discussion will then segue into a talk about the Magna Carta, what it did and how it has influenced the Australian Constitution.
Students will in groups come up with an idea of what they might do to do try and fix this problem. The picture above will be projected up onto the board for students to look at and refer back to if they forget the back story. Once students have come up some ideas they will then post these ideas onto the Magna Carta Padlet board. These posts will be discussed and the class will need to come to a decision about what is going to be done. This discussion will then segue into a talk about the Magna Carta, what it did and how it has influenced the Australian Constitution.
Student Instructions:
- In small groups you will need to think of a solution to the situation that is retold to you and will be pictured on the board.
- Once you have come up with an idea or a couple of ideas, log onto the class Magna Carta padlet board and post your thoughts and ideas.
- We will then be discussing these posts as a class to come to one decision.
Context:
- The key institutions of Australia’s democratic system of government based on the Westminster system, including the monarchy, parliaments, and courts (ACHCK035)
- Work in groups to identify issues and develop possible solutions and a plan for action using decision making processes (ACHCS044)
BackGround Information:
Teachers will need to have an understanding of the background of the Magna Carta, why it was brought it, what it put into effect and how it is relevant with the Australian constitution. Teachers will also need to have a basic understanding of
Learning Objectives and Intentions:
OBJECTIVES:
INTENTIONS:
- Students will understand the background of the Magna Carta
- Students will have an understanding of the importance of the Magna Carta
- Students will have an understanding of how the Magna Carta has influenced the Australian Constitution
INTENTIONS:
- Know what the Magna Carta is
- What was happening when the Magna Carta was written
- Know why the Magna Carta was written
- Understand how the Magna Carta is relevant to the Australian Consitution
Literacy, Numeracy and General Capabilities
- Use language to interact with others
- Understand learning area vocabulary
- Express opinion and point of view
Assessment As, For and of Learning
Assessment as Learning: During this activity students are able to notice if they are able to follow the concept of the activity and how it is relevant to what they have already learned. It may be that the students realise that they are still confused on the Australian constitution and it's purpose and role. It gives students some insight into how they are thinking and if they need some assistance understanding the content if they are confused in anyway.
Adjustments for Student Learning:
Students will be working in groups for this activity as well as working together as a whole class so there will be quite a bit of peer support.
Resources:
Padlet
www.padlet.com
Laptops/iPads
King John and the Barons picture:
https://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/magna-carta-worksheet-6010702
www.padlet.com
Laptops/iPads
King John and the Barons picture:
https://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/magna-carta-worksheet-6010702