Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Citizenship Day

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the events which led to the observance of Citizenship Day, and analyze the role of the media in influencing public opinion on citizenship. They research the concept of citizenship through debate, and various creative...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders research the Bill of Rights and consider which freedoms are the most important for them. They consider the Bill in detail and then write to their Congressperson about something they would like to see done or changed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We the People... What Conflicting Opinions Did the Framers Have about the Completed Constitution?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study some of the disagreements about the Constitution which set the stage for the debates over its ratification. These are significant because many have to do with issues that are still discussed and debated today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights and the News

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students examine current news stories and from them develop "BIG" questions related to individual and group rights. They then relate their questions to the U.S. Constitution and supreme court decisions.
Activity
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Semantic Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
A review of the U.S. Constitution is presented by topics and concepts. A full list of topics gives an alphabetical listing, that when clicked, provides the actual text.
Article
University of Groningen

American History: Presidents: James Madison: Proposed Amendments to Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of James Madison's "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution," June 8, 1789. Madison states his reasons for the amendments in view of the anti-federalist feelings in many of the colonies. The proposal explains in Madison's own words...
Interactive
National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center: A Constitutional Timeline

For Students 9th - 10th
Scroll through the interactive timeline to learn about the U.S. Constitution.
Primary
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: The United States Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
Take a close look at this document that was written in Philadelphia in 1787. It gives us the rights that we still have today. Select a thumbnail, and then roll over the picture to zoom in.
Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: The Making of the u.s. Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
The introduction to the first volume of the Annals of Congress, in which there is a short history of the creation of the Constitution, and the text of the Constitution as it was first written.
Lesson Plan
Center For Civic Education

Center for Civic Education: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
September 17 is recognized in the United States as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The purpose of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is to commemorate the creation and signing of the supreme law of the land and to honor and...
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: The Fourteenth Amendment Part I

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment from The Supreme Court introduces viewers to the 14th amendment.
Primary
University of Chicago

The Founders' Constitution: Resolution of the Constitutional Convention

For Students 9th - 10th
The text of the Resolution of the Constitutional Convention authorizing the submission of the Constitution of the United States to the legislatures of the states to be ratified by state conventions.
Graphic
Savvas Learning

Pearson: Government by the People

For Students 3rd - 8th
An easy to follow flow chart that shows how the term "Government by the people," has changed over the years. Make sure to click on each box of information to get a more in depth description.
Website
University of Missouri

Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Exploring Constitutional Law

For Students 9th - 10th
Although the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, its interpretation is open to many opinions, causing great controversies. Students can read the Constitution as well as the many issues that surround the document. If that proves...
Article
Michigan State University

Michigan State University: American Revolution: American Revolution as a Constitutional Controversy

For Students 9th - 10th
The National Humanities Center provides an essay on the issue, circumstances and explanations for the growing radicalism of the Colonists in the years leading up to the constitution.
Website
iCivics

I Civics: Curriculum Units

For Students 9th - 10th
A large collection of Social Studies units, WebQuests, and games that focuses on teaching students how government works and the importance of being responsible, informed American citizens. Units are linked to state standards. A teacher...
Unit Plan
Tom Richey

Tom Richey: The u.s. Constitution (1783 1789)

For Students 9th - 10th
A comprehensive unit of the colonies gaining their independence from and trying to create an effective constitution establishing a new government. Find lessons, videos, and primary sources.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Learners will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Constitution Scavenger Hunt With Political Cartoons

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Studying political cartoons can give students insight into historical events. Using political cartoons, students will learn about the content and structure of our Constitution by searching for the ideal represented in the cartoon....
Primary
PBS

Pbs Liberty!: Congress Adds a Bill of Rights

For Students 9th - 10th
Informative site recounting the events of December 15, 1791, when the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Learn about the Bill of Rights and the freedoms it was designed to protect!
Website
Other

Constitute: The World's Consitutions to Read, Search and Compare

For Students 9th - 10th
Constitute is a project from Comparative Constitutions Project which was done by in cooperation with Google, and is managed by individuals from several universities. The site provides access to constitutions, in English, from countries...
Unknown Type
Other

Constitution Facts

For Students 9th - 10th
How much do you really know about the most important document in United States' history? Take the quiz and test your knowledge. If you need some additional information, click on the US Constitution and Amendments tab and play the...
Website
Other

America First Party

For Students 9th - 10th
The official homepage of the America First Party provides information about its platform and politics. What the party finds newsworthy is also revealing.
Website
Other

Ohio General Assembly Online: Ohio Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers Ohio's state constitution along with links to related information.