Celebrate Constitution Day

Celebrate Constitution Day

September 17th has been designated as Constitution Day in the hope that future generations will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of our nation's founding document. Use the activities, lesson plans and resources below to help you celebrate Constitution Day and Constitution Week.

General Resources    •    Grades K-3     •     Grades 4-6     •     Grades 7-8    •     Grades 9-12

General Resources

eMedia Contitution DayUnited States Constitution eMedia Hub
Free resources and lesson from In the United States Constitution eMedia hub you will find a collection of civics and history resources intended to support educators in teaching about the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Annenberg FoundationThe Annenberg Foundation
Free resources and lesson from The Annenberg Foundation
Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government for KidsBen’s Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids
Let Ben teach you how our government works and how to fulfill your civic responsibilities.
Bill of Rights InstituteBill of Rights Institute
A collection of activities for teachers to use on Constitution Day.
Center for Civic Education Lessons for Constitution DayCenter for Civic Education Lessons for Constitution Day
This page has many lesson plans for elementary age students (divided by grade level) – Each lesson plan is in PDF format.
Charters of FreedomCharters of Freedom
Information and images on several important historical American documents
Colonial WilliamsburgColonial Williamsburg
Multimedia, Slideshows, Video, Downloads, Podcasts & Audio, Daily Features & Blogs, Games, Puzzles, iPhone & Mobile, ePostcards, Online Exhibits, Games for Kids.
Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips Colonial Williamsburg Virtual Tours
Experience life in the 18th century at America's largest outdoor history museum.

The ConstitutionThe Constitution
A transcript of the constitution as well as high-resolution images of the actual document.
Constitution Day ResourcesConstitution Day Resources
Resources from the Library of Congress
Constitution FactsConstitution Facts
Quizzes, quotes and activities about the Constitution.
The Constitutional DictionaryThe Constitutional Dictionary
A glossary of terms used in the Constitution.
Constitutional Rights FoundationConstitutional Rights Foundation
Requires registration for free lessons and materials.
Constitutional SourceConstitutional Source
Contains many resources and documents relating to the Constitution.
Free Examination MaterialsFree Examination Materials
The Center for Civic Education has teaching materials for grades 4-5, Jr. High School, and Senior High School, called “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program”.
Gilder LehrmanFounding Era
This page has specific resources for the Founding Era such as: podcasts, an online journal–“History Now”, curriculum modules, books, documents, and exhibitions.
iCivicsiCivics
A web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy.
Kids in the HouseKids In the House (Website by the Clerk of The House of Representatives)
This has a menu that includes different age levels for learning about our U.S. Government.
Library of CongressLibrary of Congress
Lessons from the national archives using primary source documents
Library of Congress "Civics and Government"Library of Congress “Civics and Government”
Constitution-related primary document collections and lesson plans from the Library of Congress.
Social Studies for KidsSocial Studies for Kids
Some good general information. It does have some commercial ads.
The Supreme Court The Supreme Court
Provides a look at the legal system and allows you to follow Supreme Court cases, look at this site.  Best for secondary students.
United States Constitution: Primary Documents in American HistoryUnited States Constitution: Primary Documents in American History
Links to materials digitized from the collections of the Library of Congress that supplement the study of these documents.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Test QuestionsU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Test Questions
Sample questions and answers.
US HistoryUS History
Virtual Tour of Philadelphia's Historic District (Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc).
Youth Leadership InitiativeYouth Leadership Initiative
Great resource with free login for teachers. Lots of lesson plans on Constitution and other related topics.
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Grades K-3

Quick Constitution Day Activities

The Constitution for Kids K-3
Information written for lower grade students explaining the importance of the Constitution, why it was written and other information students should be aware of. (Includes a link to some coloring pages.)
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids 4-8
Teaches kids about the federal government.

In-Depth Lesson Plans

Matching Game with the U.S. Constitution (pdf)
This Kindergarten lesson introduces students to the Constitution. Students participate in a matching game to learn what the Constitution is and what it does for them. They will recognize key images related to the Constitution and its history.
The Constitution: The Country's Rules (pdf)
In this first grade lesson, students develop an awareness of the Constitution by exploring what it is and why it is important. Students examine their classroom rules poster as an introduction to the concept of rules and learn that the Constitution is the law of the United States.
Orb and Effy Learn about Authority (pdf)
This Kindergarten lesson introduces the study of authority. Children learn when people are exercising authority and when they are exercising power without authority. Children learn how and why authority is useful in society.
Constitution Day Rap (pdf)
This 1st-2nd grade lesson introduces students to important facts about the Constitution and its history. Students create a thirteen-star flag and read or perform the Constitution Day Rap.
What Is Authority? (pdf)
This 1st-2nd grade lesson introduces the study of authority. Students learn important concepts: authority and limited government. Students also learn the importance of examining and choosing people for positions of leadership.
What Basic Ideas Are in the Preamble to the Constitution? (pdf)
This 3rd-4th grade lesson explores some ideas in the Preamble to the Constitution. Students learn that the power to govern belongs to those who have created the government to protect their rights and promote their welfare.

Resources

video Videos

Constitution Day (12 minutes)
Grade K-4
Available for purchase from Library Video Company
Officially called Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, this is one holiday that celebrates two great things: our country's history and its citizens.
United States Constitution (25 minutes )
Grade K-4
Available for purchase from Library Video Company
A recount of the story of the Constitution, the biographies of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and the great seal of the United States.

books Books

  • Little Hands Celebrate America! Learning about the U.S.A. Through Crafts and Activities, by Jill Frankel Hauser; ISBN: 1-885593-93-7

  • We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, by David Catrow; ISBN: 0142402761
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Grades 4-6

Quick Constitution Day Activities

The Constitution for Kids 4-7
Information written for students in grades 4-7 explaining the importance of the Constitution, why it was written and other information students should be aware of. This site includes links to the National Archives as well as other sites with additional information on the Constitution.
Constitution Quiz
An online quiz testing knowledge of the Constitution. Gives information if an incorrect answer is given.
Madison's Notes are Missing
Travel back in time to the Constitutional Convention, ask questions of the Founders and report your findings in a news story.
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids 4-8
Teaches kids about the federal government.
Life Without the Bill of Rights?
This activity asks you to consider how life would change without some of our most cherished freedoms.

In-Depth Lesson Plan

U.S. and Utah Constitution Comparison
This lesson is designed to be a compare-and-contrast reading activity using the Utah and U.S. Constitutions.
What Basic Ideas Are in the Preamble to the Constitution? (pdf)
Students will learn that the power to govern belongs to the people who have created the government to protect their rights and promote their welfare.
What Basic Ideas about Government Are Included in the Preamble to the Constitution? (pdf)
This lesson explores ideas in the Preamble to the Constitution. Students read the Preamble and develop definitions for the six key phrases in the document.

Resources

Web site Web sites

The Signers of the Constitution
Includes a picture and information about each signer of the Constitution.
iCivics
Home site to many lesson plans about and how the constitution works.
Constitution Day: EdHelper
This site has many resources from reading articles, games, to worksheets on a 4-5th grade level. You must be registered to download from this site.

video Videos

Liberty’s Kids: We the People (28 minutes)
Grade 5-8
Available from UEN’s eMedia
Show how our nation's Constitution and first government were forged during these trying times and laid the foundations for an innovative compromise on legislative representation.
Constitution Day (12 minutes)
Grade K-4
Available for purchase from Library Video Company
Called Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, this one holiday celebrates two important things: our country's history and its citizens.
United States Constitution ( 25 minutes)
Grade K-4
Available for purchase from Library Video Company
This program tells the story of the Constitution, included are the biographies of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
We The People’s-America, the Beautiful Mosaic (4:55 minutes)
Grade 5-6
Excerpts from naturalization ceremonies conducted by federal judges across the nation show the diversity of America.
Creating the Constitution  (A little over 2 minutes)
Available from TeacherTube
A good, quick overview video from the National Constitution Center. (Members of TeacherTube can skip the pre-roll ads.)
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution (31 minutes)
Grade 1-6
Available for purchase from Library Video Company
Learn how the Constitution came to be written.

books Books

  • A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution, by Betsy Maestro; ISBN: 0688101925
  • Government in Action, Language, Literacy, and Vocabulary series; National Geographic School Publishing, ISBN:  0-7922-4552-0 
  • How a Bill Becomes a Law, Easy Simulations, by Pat Luce and Holly Joyner Scholastic; ISBN: 0-439-62573-4
  • . . . If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution, by Elizabeth Levy; ISBN: 0590451596
  • “It Can’t Be Wrong!”: The Bill of Rights, by Carole Marsh
  • Preamble to the US Constitution, by Douglas Rife; ISBN: 1-57310-129-X
  • Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution, by Jean Fritz; ISBN: 0698116240
  • “Sign on the Dotted Line! The US Constitution”, by Carole Marsh; ISBN: 0-635-02696-1
  • So You Want to be President?, by Judith St. George; ISBN: 0399251529

  • The Bill of Rights, Documents of Freedom Series, Reading Expeditions; National Geographic School Publishing, ISBN:  0-7922-4552-0 

  • The Constitution, Documents of Freedom Series, Reading Expeditions; National Geographic School Publishing, ISBN: 07922-45555 

  • The Constitution (Cornerstones of Freedom), by Marilyn Prolman; ISBN: 0516466925

  • The Signers of the Constitution, by Robert G. Ferris and James H. Charleton; ISBN 0-936478-10-1

  • The U.S. Constitution: And Fascinating Facts About It, by Terry Jordan; ISBN: 1891743007
  • Understanding the US Constitution, by Mark Stange; ISBN: 1-58037-056-X
  • U.S. Government & Presidents Know-The-Facts Review Game, by Scholastic; ISBN 0-439-37431-6
  • We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, by David Catrow; ISBN: 0142402761
  • Words That Built a Nation, by Marilyn Miller; ISBN: 059029881X
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Grades 7-8

Quick Constitution Day Activities

Bill of Rights Day Activities
President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated December 15 as a day to remember the Bill of Rights.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Test Questions
Sample questions and answers.
Observing Constitution Day
Short four to six minute introductory game to be used in introducing the constitutional convention. Great class starter used to describe the discouragement or frustration of composing the constitution with the different experiences, opinions and ideas in the constitutional convention. 

In-Depth Lesson Plans

From King to Constitution
Lesson designed for teaching the necessary transition from a monarchy to a democracy.  Excellent lesson designed for middle school level instruction including an activity defining the different forms of government.
You Mean I’ve got Rights?
Lesson designed for middle school students instructing the rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Hands on activity in helping students connect rights found in the constitution to real-life situations.
Federal System Created by the Constitution (pdf)
 Constitution Day specific lesson plan designed as a full lesson for middle school students. Explore the federal system of government as outlined in the Constitution. Compare to other forms of government.
The American Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
This lesson is intended to familiarize students with the Bill of Rights and what responsibilities accompany those rights. It emphasizes the importance of civic responsibilities.
Bill of Rights Institute.org
Lesson plans about the first 5 Amendments to the Constitution for students in grades 7-12.
Happy Birthday, Constitution!
An introduction to the U.S. Constitution that can be used in conjunction with Constitution Day (September 17).

Resources

Web site Web sites

Constitution Primary Source Kit
Pictures of primary sources used to compose or play a role in the writing of the constitution.
Naturalization Test
Take an automated, ten question practice test taken from the actual citizenship test. Test your basic knowledge of the constitution and US Government.
Constitution Crossword
Crossword puzzle of constitutional information.
To Form a More Perfect Union
Short, informational summary of the Constitutional Convention.
Constitution Overview
Simplified explanation of history and content of US constitution.
iCivics
Interactive games from 0-15 min to 30-60 min. 

video Videos

Liberty's Kids: Episode 40 ‘We the People’ (28 minutes)
Available from UEN’s eMedia
Animated dramatization of the Constitutional Convention 
Creating the Constitution  (A little over 2 minutes)
Available from TeacherTube
A good, quick overview video from the National Constitution Center. (Members of TeacherTube can skip the pre-roll ads.)

books Books

  • …If you were there when they signed the Constitution. Levy, Elizabeth. Scholastic Paperbacks, 1992
  • Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution. Fritz, Jean. New York: Putnam, 1989
  • Unforgettable Americans:The Great Little Madison. Fritz, Jean. New York: Putnam, 1989
  • We the People…the Citizen and the Constitution. Center for Civic Education, Ed., 1998
  • The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation. Jonathan Hennessey. Hill and Wang, October 2008
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Grades 9-12

Quick Constitution Day Activities

Creating the Constitution
3 minute video overview of the Constitution. Ideal for sparking a brief discussion of the role and significance of the Constitution for 15 minute commemoration of Constitution Day.
American Gets a Constitution
3 minute video clip that gives an overview of the Constitution and its place in history.
Constitution Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunt with items from the Constitution that students can use a copy of the Constitution to find the answers. From Constitutionfacts.com
Constitution Crossword Puzzles
Eight crossword puzzles of varying difficulty from Constitutionfacts.com
Constitution Word Finds
Word finds on the Constitution from Constitutionfacts.com
To Sign or Not to Sign
Lessons created for Constitution Day focusing on the ratification and the importance of signing your name to a document.
The Constitution Game
Simulation activity to jump start a discussion about the beginnings of the Constitution and the Constitutional Convention.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Citizenship Test Questions
Sample questions and answers.
Interactive Constitution
Very user friendly. Grades 7-12.

In-Depth Lesson Plans

Wanted: A Just Right Government
Students learn how the U.S. Constitution came to exist by looking at the tensions and differences of opinion that existed among early American states and citizens. Students find out about the Articles of Confederation, why that first “constitution” didn’t work, and how compromise led to the Constitution.
Interpreting the Constitution: What does that mean?
Students learn that the rights in the Bill of Rights have no exact definition and are open to interpretation (by the Supreme Court, of course). Students look at real-life cases involving the 8th and 5th amendments and see whether they come to the same conclusion about each case as the Supreme Court did.
Constitution Costs
Lesson begins with activity on the Preamble and the meaning of each phrase as it relates to government services. Lesson continues to an in-depth discussion of taxation and government benefits.
Brainstorm the Bill of Rights
Students will examine, list, and understand the specific individual rights that are contained in the Bill of Rights and then answer the question, "How does this apply to me?"
Bill of Rights Institute.org
Lesson plans about the first 5 Amendments to the Constitution for students in grades 7-12.
Separation of Powers: What’s for lunch?
Students learn about the three branches of government and find out how the three branches interact with each another.
Bill of Rights: You mean I’ve got rights?
Lesson on the Bill of Rights and other amendments.

Resources

Web site Web sites

“We the People” by the Center for Civic Education
Constitution Day activities.

video Videos

Creating the Constitution  (A little over 2 minutes)
Available from TeacherTube
A good, quick overview video from the National Constitution Center. (Members of TeacherTube can skip the pre-roll ads.)

books Books

  • Miracle at Philadelphia. Catherine Bowen
  • The Words We Live By. Linda Monk
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