Lesson Plans

Constitution Costs -- This lesson, from EconEdLink, helps students understand the basic services provided for Americans in the United States Constitution and the necessity of a system of taxation to fund those services.
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Social Studies

Constitution Exploration -- In this activity, students will analyze the structure and content of the U.S. Constitution and gain an understanding of how individual rights of American citizens are protected.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Subject: Social Studies

The Constitution of the United States of America -- This page from EDSITEment features resources relating to the U.S. Constitution, and presents information about the history and significance of the famous document.
Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Social Studies

James Madison: Madison Was There -- In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students list reasons why James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution."
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Social Studies

James Madison: The Second National Bank -- Powers Not Specified in the Constitution -- In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students explore what events during James Madison's presidency raised constitutional questions. They reflect on Madison's stand on the constitutional issues involved.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Social Studies

James Madison: Internal Improvements Balancing Act -- Federal/State, Executive/Legislative -- In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from EDSITEment, students explore constitutional questions faced by James Madison. They summarize at least one event during Madison's presidency that raised constitutional questions and reflect on Madison's opinions on the questions raised.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Social Studies

Rediscovering George Washington - The Constitution and the Idea of Compromise -- This lesson discusses the compromises made by George Washington and the other Founders at the Constitutional Convention. The first section considers the diverse interests of the thirteen states that made compromise a necessity.
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies

Rediscovering George Washington - Why Celebrate Constitution Day? -- This lesson includes an editorial commemorating Constitution Day. The reading examines two competing schools of constitutional interpretation and explains the philosophical basis of the Constitution. Discussion questions follow the reading.
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies

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Links

ConstitutionDay.com

Celebrate Constitution Day- National Archives

Civic Education: Lessons for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Constitution Center - Resources to help you celebrate Constitution Day – the birthday of your government – featuring over 200 activities, lessons, books, DVDs and more from over 20 different providers.

Constitution Day 2010, from Constitution Facts - ConstitutionFacts.com is pleased to provide a series of free educational resources and Internet links to help educators comply with the new federal regulation requiring the development of student programming to celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year.

Education Outreach - This page of the Federal Judiciary site is designed to support teaching about the federal court system in ways that are consistent with law-related education practices and relevant social studies content standards. Content focuses on the purpose, structure, and function of the courts and is driven by the input, needs, and experiences of teachers across the country.

Supreme Court of the United States – This is the official site for the Supreme Court of the United States.

Teaching With Documents: Observing Constitution Day

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Video Clips

Senator Byrd Discusses the Constitution with Students -- Sen. Byrd (D-WV) discusses the Constitution with high school students as part of the Constitution Day celebration.

Constitution-- This six part video features Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Stephen Breyer discussing the Constitution with high school students. This video was designed to help students understand the importance and relevance of the Constitution.
Part 1 - Real Video or Windows Media
Part 2 - Real Video or Windows Media
Part 3 - Real Video or Windows Media
Part 4 - Real Video or Windows Media
Part 5 - Real Video or Windows Media
Part 6 - Real Video or Windows Media
Subject(s): Social Studies
Grade Level(s): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

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