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 In 2004, the Congress decided that "Constitution Day" should be observed in schools each year on September 17 with educational programs about the history and signing of the Constitution. To help celebrate Constitution Day, seven New Hampshire newspapers, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court, have joined together to sponsor an annual " Constitution Day Essay Contest" for grades 5-12 on a topic related to our constitutional rights as citizens.
The NHPTV Knowledge Network also has a number of resources for educators and students that explore the U.S. Constitution.
Instructional Television Series
Almost Painless Guide to American Civics
Grades: 4-8
This series examines the specific responsibilities and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and of the U.S. Constitution. Delivered in an entertaining style, the programs use contemporary and archival footage and computer graphics to provide a dynamic approach to the study of civics.Episode 4 is about the U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution
Grades: 7-12
THE U.S. CONSTITUTION provides students with a better understanding of the role the Constitution plays in their lives. Journalist Bill Moyers traces a theme from the beginnings of American history to the present day. A drama in which young people confront an issue related to the lesson's theme helps put constitutional rights in a personal context.
American History Series
Grades: K-6
This series from Scholastic uses popular children's books to explore and celebrate American History. Episode nine is about the Constitution. Episode 9 is about the writing of the U.S. Constitution. |
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Biography of America
Grades: 9-12
This 26-part series looks at American History. Episode 5 looks at the Constitution.
Birth of a Nation
Grades: 4-8
This series give students an overview of the struggles and challenges, both political and military, that faced the colonists as they fought to form a new nation.
Democracy In America
Grades: 8-12, Adult
This video course covers topics of civic knowledge and skills recommended by The Civics Framework for the National Assessment of Educational Progress developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Hosted by television correspondent Renée Poussaint, the programs and related print and Web site materials provide teachers with both cognitive and experiential learning in civics education. The series can also be used with students in the high school classroom. Episode 2 focuses on the Constitution.
Professional Development Series
Making Civics Real
This video workshop for the professional development of high school teachers illustrates a constructivist approach to the teaching of civics, with eight video programs, each dedicated to one teacher's multi-part lesson. Developed in collaboration with the National Council for the Social Studies and the Center for Civic Education, the video programs, website, and print guide provide the methodology for the effective teaching of civics, and include complete lesson plans of the lessons shown in the video. Workshops 2, 4, and 8 deal with the Constitution and constitutional issues. |
Websites
National Constitution Center
You'll find an interactive Constitution with
clause-by-clause explanations of the Constitution, a constitutional timeline, a Save the Bill of Rights game for kids and lots more!
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
Ben Franklin is your guide at this site that explores U.S. history, geography, civics, and citizenship from the U.S. Government Printing Office. With separate guides designed specifically for grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8; and 9-12, the site can be used by students of all ages. In additions to sections on our nation; how laws are made; the branches of government; the election process; and citizenship, you will also find interactive games and activities.
U.S. Courts
Learn more about the Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts. You'll find the official docket, oral arguments, and decisions here as well as a special classroom section with teaching resources including lesson plans.
Thomas
This site from the Library of Congress includes detailed information about Congress. It includes the status of proposed legislation, committee reports, voting records, full text of laws, and more.
C-Span
You can view hearings, proceedings, addresses and lots more online. You will also find roll-call votes, information about politics, government, and American history at the site.
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Center for Civics Education
This site includes links to articles, speeches, web sites and other resources for civics educators.
National Archive and Records Administration
You'll find a wide variety of primary source documents and resources here. The Federal Register contains the full text of Federal regulations, public laws and Presidential documents. The Exhibit Hall features collections documents and artifacts of American history from the Declaration of Independence to an exhibit on Elvis Presley's 1970 meeting with Richard Nixon.
Kids in the House
Learn about role the Office of the Clerk plays in the U.S. House of Representatives and learn about the legislative process and its effect on citizens. You can find out how laws are made, go back in time and learn about important events that have taken place on the floor of the House, learn about some of the people who have served in the U.S. House of Representatives, or try your hand at a House trivia game. You will also find a collection of lesson plans.
American Law Sources Online
This site provides a comprehensive, uniform, and useful compilation of links to freely accessible on-line sources of law. You can browse laws by state, access recent court decisions, and read state constitutions. In addition you can access information about Canadian law and get an overview of the U.S., Mexican, and Canadian legal system. |
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