Lesson Plan: The Magna Carta

Grade: 7th

Subject: Social Studies/History

Duration: 1 hour

Introduction: - Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever heard of the Magna Carta. Allow for a brief discussion and gather their prior knowledge. - Explain that the Magna Carta is an important historical document that played a significant role in shaping the rights and freedoms we have today. - Share the learning objectives for the lesson: to understand the historical context of the Magna Carta, its significance, and its impact on modern society.

Lesson Outline: 1. Historical Context (15 minutes) - Show a short video clip (e.g., “The Story of the Magna Carta” by TED-Ed) to provide an overview of the historical context leading up to the creation of the Magna Carta. - Discuss key points from the video, such as the power struggle between King John and the barons, and the events that led to the creation of the Magna Carta.

1. Magna Carta Content (20 minutes) - Distribute a worksheet (e.g., “Exploring the Magna Carta”) to each student. - Instruct students to read the provided information about the Magna Carta and answer the questions on the worksheet. - Circulate the classroom to provide assistance and answer any questions.

2. Questioning and Discussion (10 minutes) - Engage students in a class discussion by asking open-ended questions, such as: - Why do you think the barons wanted to limit the king’s power? - How do you think the Magna Carta impacted the relationship between the king and his subjects? - Can you think of any modern-day examples where the principles of the Magna Carta are still relevant?

Assessment: - To assess students’ understanding, collect and review their completed worksheets. - Provide feedback and address any misconceptions or areas of confusion.

Differentiation: - For students who require additional support, provide a simplified version of the worksheet with fewer questions or provide guided notes. - For students who need a challenge, encourage them to research and present on a specific clause of the Magna Carta in more depth.

Plenary: - Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson. - Ask students to reflect on the significance of the Magna Carta and its impact on society. - Conclude the lesson by showing a short video (e.g., “Why the Magna Carta Matters” by British Library) that highlights the lasting importance of the Magna Carta.

Video Resources: 1. “The Story of the Magna Carta” by TED-Ed: [insert link] 2. “Why the Magna Carta Matters” by British Library: [insert link]

Worksheet Resource: “Exploring the Magna Carta” worksheet: [insert link]