Creating a 5 Ws analysiscomplete a 5 Ws analysis of the Tinker v. Des Moines case, answering the questions Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Their answers should be researched, and this activity is a great way for students to review what they already have learned.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Tinker v. Des Moines case: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Student Instructions:
Clarify what sources students should use and how detailed their answers should be. Providing examples and a list of suggested websites or textbooks helps students focus and improves research quality.
Demonstrate how to break down a court case into Who, What, When, Where, and Why using a simple example. Think aloud as you analyze a familiar story or event so students understand your reasoning.
Encourage students to illustrate each 'W' with images that capture key details. Visuals deepen understanding and make the analysis more memorable for all learners.
Have students exchange their completed analyses with a partner and provide specific feedback on accuracy and completeness. Peer review promotes deeper engagement and helps spot errors.
Facilitate a class conversation on how the facts (the 5Ws) of Tinker v. Des Moines relate to student rights and the First Amendment. Making real-world connections strengthens critical thinking and relevance.
The 5 Ws of the Tinker v. Des Moines case are: Who (students, school officials), What (a Supreme Court case about student free speech), When (1965–1969), Where (Des Moines, Iowa), and Why (students wanted to protest the Vietnam War by wearing armbands, leading to a dispute over First Amendment rights in schools).
To teach Tinker v. Des Moines with a 5 Ws activity, have students research and fill out Who, What, When, Where, and Why about the case, create brief summaries for each, and add relevant images or scenes to make learning more engaging and visual.
Tinker v. Des Moines is significant because the Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school, setting an important precedent for free speech and expression in public education.
The main lesson is that students have constitutional rights in school, but those rights can be limited if their actions disrupt learning. The case balances free expression with maintaining an orderly school environment.
Quick review ideas include having students complete a 5 Ws chart, discuss the facts and impact in small groups, create summary posters, or participate in a mock debate about student speech rights based on the Tinker case.