Six scenarios on one page ask 5th grade students to name the amendment that applies and explain why. They cover police at a door without a warrant, a person on trial asking for a lawyer and a jury, an accused person who will not answer questions, soldiers ordered into a family home in peacetime, bail set at one million dollars, and a newspaper the governor wants shut down. The answer key on page 2 gives each amendment with a one-line reason.
“Apply the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th Amendments to everyday situations.”
Each of the six scenarios matches one of these amendments.
“Explain in a sentence how an amendment protects a person.”
Every box has three lines for the reason behind the choice.
Six boxes in two columns, each with a short scenario and three writing lines. Students choose from the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th Amendments, named in the instructions, and explain their choice.
Each scenario with its amendment and a sentence of reasoning, such as the 8th Amendment protecting people from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
After the amendments
Use it once students have met each amendment. Three lines per box is enough room for one clear reason.
Harder version
Read the scenarios aloud and have students name the amendment before they look at the list in the instructions.
Mock trial
Scenarios 2 and 3 work well as a short role play. One student plays the accused and decides which rights to use.
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