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Constitution 101 Resources
Classroom Activities
“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.

Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
10.1 Primary Source: First Amendment

This activity is part of Module 10: The First Amendment from the Constitution 101 Curriculum

Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Primary and Secondary Sources
13th Amendment, Congressional Copy

This handwritten congressional copy of the amendment that banned slavery is signed by President Lincoln and others.

Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Classroom Activities
Classroom Activities
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Lesson Plans
2017 Civic Holiday Calendar: Famous Cases

The 2017 calendar explores turning points in American history with fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases.

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Lesson Plans
2018 Civic Holiday Calendar: 14th Amendment

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 14th Amendment, the Center's 2018 calendar explores its history and legacy.

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Lesson Plans
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.

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Classroom Activities
2022/2023 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2022-2023 Civic Calendar explores the 27 Amendments in 12 Months!

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Classroom Activities
2023/2024 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2023-2024 Civic Calendar explores the Civil Rights Movement.

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Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
3.7 Printable Knowledge Check: The Road to the Convention

This activity is part of Module 3: Road to the Convention from the Constitution 101 Curriculum. 

Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Onsite Resources
Onsite Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Constitution 101 Resources
Online Resources
Abraham Lincoln’s Crossroads

In this online game, learn about Lincoln’s leadership by exploring the political choices he made.

Classroom Activities
Amendment Cootie Catchers

This clever twist on the classic cootie catcher tests your knowledge of the first 10 amendments.

Classroom Activities
American Flag Pinwheels

Show your patriotic pride with this festive stars-and-stripes-covered pinwheel.

Lesson Plans
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.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Articles of Confederation

The first charter, or constitution, adopted by the 13 states following the American Revolution.

Onsite Resources
Classroom Activities
Ben Franklin Kites

Celebrate one of America's most famous Founding Fathers with a craft inspired by his kite experiment.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Bill of Rights

The first ten Amendments to the Constitution form the Bill of Rights.

Lesson Plans
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.

Classroom Activities
Bill of Rights Bingo

Get more familiar with the Bill of Rights with this simple bingo game.

Onsite Resources
Onsite Resources
Lesson Plans
Breaking Barriers

Students will get a look at how African-American individuals have broken barriers to racial integration in the United States.

Onsite Resources
Classroom Activities
Brown v. Board of Education Word Puzzle

Learn about a landmark Supreme Court ruling with this word puzzle.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline

Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline is an online experience highlighting some of the key dates and events that mark more than 200 years of our constitutional history.

Classroom Activities
Cipher Wheel

Use this cipher wheel to create your own secret code!

Classroom Activities
Classroom Activities
Videos
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!

Videos
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.

Videos
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.

Videos
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.

Videos
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.

Videos
Constitution Hall Pass: The Bill of Rights

Explore the compelling story of our Constitution’s first ten amendments.

Videos
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.

Classroom Activities
Constitution Word Puzzle

Learn about basic terms from the Constitution with this word puzzle.

Lesson Plans
Constitutional Exchanges Introduction Thinking Sheet

As you read, interpret, and cite the documents in the Interactive Constitution, it is important to think about how the Constitution expands or limits the power of government. This is how Constitutional Scholars read, interpret, and cite the Constitution. But how can you do this? Here are some tips to help.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson.

Classroom Activities
Design Your Own Dollar Bill

This activity is perfect for commemorating Tax Day.

Classroom Activities
Design Your Own Flag

As you learn about the symbolism and importance of our America's flag, you can design your own flag.

Onsite Resources
Primary and Secondary Sources
Emancipation Proclamation, Leland-Boker Edition, 1864

Enacted in 1862, this edition of the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Classroom Activities
First Amendment Exhibit Guide

Download our First Amendment Exhibit Guide

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Lesson Plans
First Amendment: Speech

This lesson encourages students to examine their own assumptions and to deepen their understanding of current accepted interpretations of speech rights under the First Amendment.

Classroom Activities
Founding Fathers Word Puzzle

Learn about the signers of the U.S. Constitution with this word puzzle.

Classroom Activities
Classroom Activities
Onsite Resources
Onsite Resources
Lesson Plans
Getting to Know the Founding Fathers

Learn more about the signers of the Constitution with these Founding Fathers biographies.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Getting to Know the Founding Fathers

Learn more about the delegates of the Constitutional Convention with these Founding Fathers biographies.

Lesson Plans
INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION: SECOND AMENDMENT

This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 2nd Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution.

Lesson Plans
Investigating the Departments of the Executive Branch

In this lesson, students learn about the role of bureaucracy in U.S. government.

Lesson Plans
Classroom Activities
Lady Liberty Hats

Celebrate freedom by fashioning your own Lady Liberty hat.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
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.

Classroom Activities
Liberty Bell Sun Catchers

Make a dazzling sun catcher to commemorate the Liberty Bell and the constitutional ideals it symbolizes.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
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.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Magna Carta

The Magna Carta, or “Great Charter,” established the rule of law.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Mayflower Compact

This document was an agreement drafted by the settlers of the first New England colony.

Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Constitution 101 Curriculum
Classroom Activities
Patriotic Wreaths

Decorate and customize a wreath for Independence Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day.

Lesson Plans
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.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Perspectives on the Constitution: A Republic, If You Can Keep It

A perspective by Richard R. Beeman, professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Perspectives on the Constitution: Constitutions Around the World

A perspective by Kim Lane Scheppele, professor of law, political science, and sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Perspectives on the Constitution: Understanding Our Constitution

A perspective by Akhil Reed Amar, professor of law at Yale University Law School, and Douglas W. Kmiec, dean of Catholic University Law School.

Onsite Resources
Onsite Resources
Classroom Activities
Preamble Scramble

Have fun getting to know the phrases of the Preamble while you unscramble the puzzle.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
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.

Classroom Activities
Classroom Activities
Online Resources
Seize the Vote

Learn all about voting rights throughout history in this online game.

Lesson Plans
Separation of Powers

This lesson shows students firsthand how the three branches of government work together through separation of powers and checks and balances.

Onsite Resources
Classroom Activities
Thank-A-Vet Postcards

Honor veterans for supporting and defending the Constitution and protecting our freedom by thanking them with a special postcard.

Classroom Activities
The Constitution Happened Here

This interactive resource celebrates constitutional and local history in Philadelphia and beyond through student-generated multimedia content.

Lesson Plans
The Constitution Happened Here Lesson Plans

This innovative, interactive resource is designed to uncover the vast wealth of history in our local communities.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: En Espanol

Full text of the U.S. Constitution translated into Spanish.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: Fast Facts

Ten essential facts about the U.S. Constitution.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: First Public Printing

The first public printing of the Constitution was printed on September 19, 1787.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: Full Text

Read the full text of the U.S. Constitution.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: Original Image

An image of the original handwritten, signed U.S. Constitution.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: PDF

The Constitution of the United States as a printable PDF file.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Constitution of the United States: PDF Translations

Full text of the U.S. Constitution translated into Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Simplified Chinese.

Lesson Plans
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.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Federalist Papers

A series of newspaper articles drafted by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, urging ratification of the new Constitution.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
The History of Flag Day

This lesson encourages students to take a closer look at the American flag and its meaning.

Lesson Plans
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.

Primary and Secondary Sources
The Reconstruction Amendments

These three constitutional amendments abolished slavery and guaranteed equal protection of the laws and the right to vote.

Lesson Plans
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.

Classroom Activities
Uncle Sam Hats

Celebrate freedom by making your own Uncle Sam hat.

Primary and Secondary Sources
Virginia Declaration of Rights

Drafted by George Mason, this declaration of rights later became a model for other state constitutions and the Bill of Rights.

Lesson Plans
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.

Lesson Plans
We the School

We the School is an innovative new form of student government created at Constitution High School in Philadelphia.

Lesson Plans
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

Online Resources
Which Founder Are You?

Take this quiz to discover which Founder you're most like!

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Onsite Resources
More from the National Constitution Center
Constitution 101

Explore our new 15-unit core curriculum with educational videos, primary texts, and more.

Media Library

Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.

Founders’ Library

Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.

Education