Magna Carta Lesson Plans

Students use the Internet to read a brief description of Magna Carta (link provided). They "walk through" the document with the teacher, identifying four major themes. Students read and discuss "The Rhetoric of Rights: Americans are 'Englishmen' and Englishmen Have Constitutional Rights." They complete a chart comparing/contrasting the Magna Carta, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Students examine the role of the Magna Carta in causing the American Revolution. In groups, they identify the key elements of the Massachusetts shilling note and their significance. They also read excerpts of three primary source documents to complete their argument.

Young scholars read excerpts from Magna Carta, complete worksheet question relating to Magna Carta, discuss three limitations to King's power highlighted, identify comparable idea in United States Constitution, and complete remainder of worksheet.

Students compare the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights. In this historical comparison instructional activity, students examine primary sources of three significant historical documents. Students create a chart in a compare and contrast format, then write an essay demonstrating what they have learned. This instructional activity includes multiple web resources.

Students investigate the history of England by researching the Magna Carta.  In this World History lesson, students read about the problems between King John and The Pope in the early 13th century.  Students read about the Magna Carta laws and create a replica using a scroll style paper in class.

Students view a flowchart on the board to assist in visualizing the theoretical history that the Declaration of Independence and the United States constitution are drawn from. They work in groups to read the Magna Carta and chart their assigned sections.

Eighth graders explore the Magna Carta and the Mayflower Compact.

Students are introduced to some of the most important documents in history. In groups, they identify passages from the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence. They work together to paraphase the material using today's language.

Students examine the American plan for government. In this American government lesson, students examine selected Internet websites regarding the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.

Twelfth graders examine the foundations of our government.  In this American Government lesson, 12th graders discuss the impact of the Magna Carta and the English Petition of Rights.  Students create a poster on the ideas of major thinkers during this time.