Introduction:

Dred Scott, a slave who lived in Illinois for some time was taken back to Missouri. He sued for his freedom arguing that since he lived for a time in a free state, Illinois, he was entitled to be free.

Task:

You will discuss and analyze the Dread Scott V. Sandford case using Compulegal. Examine the case and determine, as a group, how you would defend Dred Scott and what your argument would be, as well as how you would present the case.

In your groups you will create a five minute presentation, stating the facts of the case, and giving your opinion about the courts decision of the case, as well as how you would defend Dred Scott for this trial.

Your presentation will also include information about the results of the case and your groups create an opinion on how you would argue the case for Dread Scott’s freedom.

Process:

· You will be working in groups of three. Each group will read and analyze the Dread Scott V. Sandford case using Compulegal.

· After reading and analyzing the case your group will discuss the facts and outcomes of the case to determine how you would argue Dread Scott V. Sandford apply it to what we have learned about the case.

· Each group will then create a five minute presentation describing the facts and their outcome of the Dread Scott V. Sandford case and apply their results to their group findings.

· Each group will then report their findings to the class in a presentation discussing, how the ruling by the court on the Dread Scott V. Sandford case applies to the actual court findings

Resources

1. CompuLegal

2. The Constitution

3. Dred Scott Case

4. Scott Visual

5. How to Write Research a Paper, A guide

6. Justice Learning. org

Evaluation

Category	Grade 4 100-90	Grade 3 90-80	Grade 2 80-70	Grade 1 65-0
Knowledge	Shows understanding of the topic.	Shows a good understanding of the topic.	Presents satisfactory understanding of the topic	Shows little understanding of the topic.
Completion of Task	Addresses all aspects of the task. Works well in a group.	Addresses all aspects of the task.	Addresses most aspects of the task.	Attempts to address topic, but uses vague and /or inaccurate information Does not work well with others.
Facts	Richly supports topic with relevant facts, examples and details	Includes relevant facts, examples and details, but not support all aspects of the case	Uses some relevant facts, examples and details.	Uses little facts, examples, or details.
Oral Presentation	Presents a strong and well organized case or point of view. All students must present for an equal amount of time.	Presents point of view and is organized.	Presents weak point of view but is not well organized.	Point of view is very weak and lacks organization. .
The Paper	Paper is 3 pages long. Includes all facts of the case and shows a clear understanding of the cases and amendments.			Paper is not complete, or is poorly structured and written.

Standards Addressed:

New York City English Language Arts

• E1c Read and comprehend informational materials
• E1d Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of public documents
• E2 Writing
• E2a Produce a report of information
• E3 Speaking, Listening and Viewing
• E3b Participate in group meetings
• E3c Prepare and deliver an individual presentation
• E4 Conventions, Grammar and Usage of the English Language
• E4a Demonstrate an understanding of the rules of the English Language in written and oral work
• E4b Analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its clarity and effectiveness

• E2e Produce a persuasive essay

New York State Social Studies

· 4. The study of civics and citizenship requires the ability to probe ideas and assumptions, ask and answer analytical questions, take a skeptical attitude towards questionable arguments, evaluate evidence, formulate rational conclusions, develop and refine participatory skills.

New York City Social Studies

· 5. Civics, Citizenship and government

· 5.2 Students respect the rights of others in discussions and classroom debates

Regardless of whether or not one agrees with their viewpoint

Conclusion:

In this web quest you have studied all aspects of the Dread Scott V. Sandford case. You have become an expert in all of the facts, constitutional issues, and details surrounding this case. As a group you have examined and incorporated the Constitutional Amendments required to analyses this case. You have demonstrated your understanding of the case by working as a group to produce a paper which outlines your feelings and beliefs about this court case. As a group you have presented your understanding of the facts of the case as they pertain to the Constitution, and the freedom of speech.

As you progress with your study of Constitutional law, the foundations you have built using Dread Scott V. Sandford will make the process that much easer.