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2019 Civic Holiday Calendar: The First Amendment
The 2019 Civic Calendar from the National Constitution Center not only highlights civic holidays throughout the year, but will also focus on historical events dealing with the First Amendment.
Rule of Law: High School Level
This two-day lesson uses historical quotations to help students develop understandings of conceptions of the Rule of Law, then, through small group work and class-wide collaboration analyzing Supreme Court cases, students will reflect on how their understandings of Rule of Law relate to the Constitution, the judicial system, and their daily lives.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases: The Slaughter House Cases
Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will investigate the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 14th Amendment in the years after its ratification.
Landmark Court Case: Scott v. Sandford
Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will research and role-play to better understand the legal, social, and economic factors relating to--and implications of--the majority and dissenting opinions in this infamous case.
2017 Civic Holiday Calendar: Famous Cases
The 2017 calendar explores turning points in American history with fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases.
THE DECLARATION, THE CONSTITUTION, AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS
This lesson builds student understanding of the relationships between the United States’ founding documents by comparing and contrasting the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
What Can I Say in School? An Examination of Students’ Freedom of Speech
Students will investigate the legal language defining their freedom of speech rights
Design Your Own Dollar Bill
This activity is perfect for commemorating Tax Day.
The History of Memorial Day
This lesson takes a closer look at the history of Memorial Day by examining World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War and their connections to this civic holiday.
The History of Flag Day
This lesson encourages students to take a closer look at the American flag and its meaning.
Thank-A-Vet Postcards
Honor veterans for supporting and defending the Constitution and protecting our freedom by thanking them with a special postcard.
We the School
We the School is an innovative new form of student government created at Constitution High School in Philadelphia.
Constitution Hall Pass: Dollars and Sense: Tax Day
Learn how the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where those tax dollars go today.
Constitution Hall Pass: History of Thanksgiving
Discover the real story of the first Thanksgiving and how the day became a national holiday during the Civil War.
Constitution Hall Pass: Everything’s Gone Green: The Story of Earth Day
In this popular episode, we explore the history of the environmental movement in the United States and the origins of the holiday we know as Earth Day.
Constitution Hall Pass: Freedom Of Expression From Constitution Day 2011
Learn about how the Constitution protects our rights and the freedom to express ourselves—out loud!
Constitution Hall Pass: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Legacy of Service
In this episode, we look at Dr. King’s legacy of service—and we’ll even learn about ways that you can serve your community.
Constitution Hall Pass: The Presidency (Constitution Day 2012)
Just in time for the 2012 election, this engaging, interactive lesson traces the history of the American presidency.
Bill of Rights
Students learn about the specific rights and freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, one of our nation's most important documents.
Design Your Own Flag
As you learn about the symbolism and importance of our America's flag, you can design your own flag.
“I Have a Dream” Mobiles
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech with a mobile that inspires you to think about your own dreams.
Art of the American Soldier: Stories from the Soldiers
Students will deepen their appreciation of war art through watching and listening to veteran war experiences.
Brown v. Board of Education Word Puzzle
Learn about a landmark Supreme Court ruling with this word puzzle.
Founding Fathers Word Puzzle
Learn about the signers of the U.S. Constitution with this word puzzle.
Constitution Word Puzzle
Learn about basic terms from the Constitution with this word puzzle.
Constitution Hall Pass: The Bill of Rights
Explore the compelling story of our Constitution’s first ten amendments.
Uncle Sam Hats
Celebrate freedom by making your own Uncle Sam hat.
Preamble Scramble
Have fun getting to know the phrases of the Preamble while you unscramble the puzzle.
Patriotic Wreaths
Decorate and customize a wreath for Independence Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day.
Liberty Bell Sun Catchers
Make a dazzling sun catcher to commemorate the Liberty Bell and the constitutional ideals it symbolizes.
Lady Liberty Hats
Celebrate freedom by fashioning your own Lady Liberty hat.
Bill of Rights Bingo
Get more familiar with the Bill of Rights with this simple bingo game.
American Flag Pinwheels
Show your patriotic pride with this festive stars-and-stripes-covered pinwheel.
Amendment Cootie Catchers
This clever twist on the classic cootie catcher tests your knowledge of the first 10 amendments.
Separation of Powers
This lesson shows students firsthand how the three branches of government work together through separation of powers and checks and balances.
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War
In this lesson, students will analyze the political and constitutional issues that faced President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
To Sign or Not to Sign: The Ultimate Constitution Day Lesson Plan
On Constitution Day, students will examine the role of the people in shaping the U.S. Constitution.
Breaking Barriers
Students will get a look at how African-American individuals have broken barriers to racial integration in the United States.
The Founders’ Library: Thinking as a Founding Father
Students will examine the ideas that the Founding Fathers brought to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and use them to analyze the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Getting to Know the Founding Fathers
Learn more about the signers of the Constitution with these Founding Fathers biographies.
Respecting Freedom of Speech
In this lesson, students will consider how respect and freedom of expression intersect and their role in maintaining a free society.
Perseverance and the First Amendment
In this lesson, students will analyze how people throughout history have exercised their First Amendment rights to express their opinions.
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
In this lesson, students will examine the constitutional, legal, political, and historical sources of the continuing debate over war powers.
Investigating the Departments of the Executive Branch
In this lesson, students learn about the role of bureaucracy in U.S. government.
Living News Classroom Teaching Materials
These Classroom Teaching Materials are designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center or stand alone.
Living News Classroom Tool Kit
This lesson is designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center.