After studying the preamble and basic background information to the Constitution, develop a class preamble, using the constitutional preamble as a model. Ask a student to lead the discussion. What principles will they hold as important? What characteristics will they choose to uphold? What is the purpose for the class preamble? Then, help the students transcribe it in a style similar to the Constitution's preamble: "We the students of Classroom 8A ...."
What if aliens landed and told you you could only keep five of the rights that the country's forefathers outlined as inalienable? Which five would you pick and why? This is a fun individual activity that causes students to think about their rights and see the privilege in them. After giving students time to complete the activity alone, discuss the answers as a class. Poll to see which rights were valued most by students.
After studying the Constitution, play a game that will also help students review for the test. Make flash cards to create a matching game that students can play in pairs or small groups. Split the class into two teams and have a review in game show format. Make a board game leading students to the Constitutional Convention as they correctly answer questions. A spinner tells how many spaces to move and which questions to answer.
Present a song so students can learn the preamble by singing or refer to the School House Rock version of the song. Because the generation of eighth-graders might not be familiar with the School House Rock version, break the class into small groups to make their own. Have groups perform their song. If students are reluctant to sing, have them write out the words and the tune on which the song is based.