Constitution Day 2011 is next week and you may be scrambling a bit to find a few useful resources.
Constitution Day is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution and also recognizes all who have become citizens due to either coming of age or naturalization. It is always observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. (This year the 17th falls on a Saturday so it will be observed on Friday the 16th.)
The law establishing the holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known simply as “Citizenship Day.”
Part of the law passed in 2004 requires all schools receiving federal funds to provide some sort of US Constitution instruction on that day. To help as you plan your activities, I’ve put together a short list of goodies.
Constitution Day Lesson
iCivics | Lesson Plan | 6-8
Students learn how the U.S. Constitution sets up our government, as defined in Articles 1-3
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
EDSITEment | Lesson Plan | 6-8
Students receive an introduction to the Supreme Court and learn basic facts by examining the United States Constitution.
The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union
EDSITEment | Lesson Plan | 3-5
Explore the purposes of the U.S. Constitution as explained in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education
History Explorer | Online Exhibit | 6-12
Learn about the Supreme Court decision that marked a turning point in history for race relations in the United States.
Japanese Americans & the U.S. Constitution
History Explorer | Interactive | 4-12
Explore the experiences of Japanese Americans who were placed in internment camps during World War II and how this relates to rights of citizens.
Constitution Day
TeachingHistory | Resources, Interactive, Documents | 4-12
A large collection of Constitution related goodies.
Constitution Day Portal
EDSITEment | Resources, Interactive, Documents | 4-12
Lots of resources and materials including many available in Spanish
Here’s a few more that might be useful!
Have fun!