A great way to help students gain a better understanding of history is to have them identify and illustrate key terms and vocabulary for the events and time period they're studying. For this activity, students will create storyboards of the vocabulary terms for the Constitutional Convention of 1787. For each term, students should include a definition of the term along with a visual representation. Teachers may refer to the fifteen vocabulary terms provided below or use specific vocabulary terms from their classroom instruction.
Suggested Constitutional Convention Vocabulary Terms:
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students may create a secondary storyboard that represents how these terms are used in their own lives or modern society. For example, students may choose to compromise and include a visual representation of how they have made a compromise in their everyday lives.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words for The Constitutional Convention by creating visualizations.
Display key vocabulary terms on a dedicated wall or board in your classroom. Visual exposure helps students become familiar with important words and creates a reference point for ongoing learning.
Have each student pick a vocabulary term and draw an image that represents its meaning on an index card. Encourage creativity to make the words memorable and to reinforce understanding through art.
Hide vocabulary cards around the classroom and challenge students to find them. Ask each student to explain the term they find, making learning interactive and fun.
Divide the class into teams and have students act out vocabulary words without speaking. Promote participation and reinforce definitions through movement and collaboration.
Start each class with a brief activity, such as matching terms to definitions or using a word in a sentence. Consistent practice supports retention and builds student confidence with the material.
Key vocabulary words for the Constitutional Convention include Constitution, Federalist, Anti-Federalist, Checks and Balances, New Jersey Plan, Virginia Plan, Compromise, Bill of Rights, Congress, Enumerated Powers, Unanimous, Northwest Ordinance, Articles of Confederation, Republic, and Precedent. Teaching these helps students understand the event’s concepts and debates.
Use visual vocabulary boards or storyboards where students illustrate each term and write its definition in their own words. This activity makes learning interactive and helps students connect terms to real-life situations.
A storyboard activity asks students to pick key terms, define them, and create visual scenes illustrating each word’s meaning. This method reinforces understanding through creativity and personal connection.
Yes! Encourage students to create a secondary storyboard showing how terms like compromise or rights apply in their daily lives or modern society. This makes the vocabulary meaningful and relevant.
This activity is best for grades 6–12 and is designed for individual students to reinforce and develop their understanding of historical vocabulary.