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integrated computational thinking

Overview

The learner will interpret a constitutional amendment through the lens of four well-known algorithms or methods of interpretation used in the Judicial Branch (estimated 60 min)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, learners will be able to...

    • define the Second Amendment.
    • consider multiple perspectives of the Second Amendment in order to analyze algorithms that are representations of social, historical, political, or economic phenomenon.
    • represent possible explanations for how and/or why a social, historical, political, or economic phenomenon occurs using an algorithm.

Vocabulary

  • Algorithm - A precise step-by-step set of instructions
  • Abstraction - Isolating key details while ignoring the remaining elements
  • Strict Construction (textualism) - A method of interpreting the constitution by only observing the words in the constitution and not allowing any outside factors to change that understanding.
  • Original Intent (originalism) - A method of interpreting the constitution by observing the words in the constitution along with the explanation of those words at the time they were created.
  • Fundamental Principles - A method of interpreting the constitution by taking into consideration the values and opinions during the time the constitution was written. This can be done by also studying written opinions of the writers of the constitution.
  • Modernism (Living Constitution) - A method of interpreting the constitution by taking into consideration the ways in which the world has changed since the constitution was written.

Materials and Resources

A full version of the video played in this project can be found here

Assessment

Learners will demonstrate mastery of knowledge in this project by providing their own clear interpretation of the Second Amendment and which methods it aligns most closely to.