Slavery in the U.S. Constitution

Explore the structure and content of the US Constitution in the second activity of this five-part social studies series. A collection of activities, games, and videos complement a class reading of a document summarizing the US...

When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.

Who gets to vote? Learn more about struggles for suffrage throughout United States history with a lesson based on primary source documents. Middle schoolers debate the importance of women's suffrage and African American suffrage before...

Young historians explore the meaning of the Preamble to the US Constitution in this upper-elementary social studies activity. Working with partners or in small groups, children discuss the purpose of government before reading and...

As Bob Dylan so famously wrote, "The times they are a-changin'." Through a series of discussions, indepedent class work, and a whole-class simulation young scholars explore how the amendment process allows the US Constitution to change...

How do the rights of citizens in other countries, such as India, Germany, Brazil, and Iran, compare to those of Americans? Take a closer look at the provisions of various foreign constitutions, and compare and contrast the protections...

What do your pupils know about abusive relationships and equal rights? Expand their knowledge with a series of activities that provide discussion opportunities and information about rights and abuse. First addressing issues relating to...

Beginning with an intriguing anticipatory question on whether the teacher or the school handbook has more authority, your young citizens will proceed to discover how the landmark case McCulloch v. Maryland defined the supremacy of the...

How do state constitutions differ from that of the federal government in the United States? Here you'll find an informative reading and activities that will guide your class members through the process of comparing and contrasting direct...

Travel back to 1787 as young scholars investigate the creation of the US Constitution. After first working in small groups to create sets of classroom rules, students go on to read a summary of the Constitution and watch a short video...