This is a scavenger hunt using task cards that analyzes the creation of the Constitution, challenges in ratifying it between the colonies, the struggles of the Articles of Confederation and key players in this whole process which is studied in the 7th grade curriculum under the following standards:

• 7.4 The newly independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate over ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights.
• 7.4a Throughout the American Revolution, the colonies struggled to address their differing social, political, and economic interests and to establish unity. The Articles of Confederation created a form of government that loosely united the states, but allowed states to maintain a large degree of sovereignty.
• 7.4b The lack of a strong central government under the Articles of Confederation presented numerous challenges. A convention was held to revise the Articles, the result of which was the Constitution. The Constitution established a democratic republic with a stronger central government.
• 7.4c Advocates for and against a strong central government were divided on issues of States rights, role/limits of federal power, and guarantees of individual freedoms. Compromises were needed between the states in order to ratify the Constitution.

This resource begins by challenging students with a mission, complete the tasks to solve the mystery word and four digit code to help the founding fathers ratify the Constitution; failure will result in the colonies remaining under the weak Articles of Confederation. Check out the preview to see what each task card entails. Students will need to walk around the room reading the task cards. Each task card has a code word on the bottom which is the answer to the question/fill in the blank. The answer will NOT be found on that same task card. For example, the answer to task card #1 is found by reading the passage on task card #8. Students MUST record which task card they found the answer on in their answer sheet under the “FOUND CARDS #” column. That column will be used at the end for the 4 digit lock code. They will follow the clues to find the correct 4 digit code. Once they have completed the scavenger hunt they will receive a half sheet of paper stating that they have helped the founding fathers ratify the Constitution!

This activity would be a great review before assessments, as a center activity, a group activity, etc. Students will be engaged with the learning while having a fun time trying to solve all of the clues!