Lesson Plans

Observing Constitution Day -- Features a discussion about the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution. Lists of delegates, issues involved in the creation and ratification of the document, and its implementation are included.

How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens - This is a PBS lesson for students in grades 9-12 where students explore the impact of historic and recent Supreme Court decisions and issues on their lives.

Church and State Separation:  The Challenge and Debate – PBS Lesson plan for High School students pertaining to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Checks And Balances In Supreme Court – PBS Lesson for grades 7 – 12 examining the different aspects of the balance of power among the branches of government and the process of judicial nomination and confirmation.

The Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court - This is a Discovery lesson for grades 9-12 about the Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court.  Links to other lesson plans on related topics are also available.

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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.

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.

Justice Learning: Constitution Day 2006 Made Easy - Comprehensive program of educational events for Constitution Day for high schools and higher education provided by Justice Learning.

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

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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