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Happy Birthday, Constitution!

Printable Version

Time Frame

1 class periods of 45 minutes each

Authors

Anna Greene
SHARON NAGATA
Stephanie Seely
TOM SUTTON

Summary

An introduction to the U.S. Constitution that can be used in conjunction with Constitution Day (September 17).


Materials

Attachments


Background for Teachers

September 17 marks the anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In celebration of this event, here is a one class period presentation introducing general facts of the Constitution.

This lesson is not intended to be an in-depth study; that will be covered later in the 8th grade U.S. history curriculum.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Introduce the significance of the Constitution.


Instructional Procedures

  • Teachers need to prepare a question sheet with about 5-10 questions on general information about the Constitutional Convention and what it says. Another section of the question sheet should contain questions that can be answered by watching the video "Liberty's Kids." (See sample question sheet.)

  • The teacher should explain the significance of September 17 and that although the class will study the Constitution in-depth later, this is a short introduction to see how much students may already know and what they will continue to learn.

  • Students are given the question sheet and answer what questions they may already know answers to. For questions they do not know answers for, they can either use their history textbooks or look for information on the websites listed in the bibliography.

  • After answering questions in the first section, show the video "Liberty's Kids," and have them complete the questions.


Assessment Plan

Upon completion of general questions about the Constitution and from watching the video, students will turn in their question sheet.


Bibliography


Created: 06/16/2010
Updated: 02/04/2018
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