Jonah Patel
The PCI US Constitution Curriculum is designed for students from elementary to high school grade levels. The curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to the US Constitution, examining the history and functions of the American government. It covers topics such as the Constitutional Convention, the structure and roles of government branches, civil liberties, and the relevance of the Constitution in modern society. The program includes lesson plans, student activities, interactive resources, and classroom videos, catering to different learning styles and abilities. The curriculum aims to promote civic education, empower students to think critically about constitutional principles and apply them to contemporary issues.
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What You'll Learn
Elementary school students learn about the US Constitution's basic principles
The US Constitution is the highest law in the country. It sets out the framework for the federal government of the United States and outlines the rights of its citizens. The Constitution is organized into seven articles and has 27 amendments.
The first Constitution was called the Articles of Confederation, which was ratified in 1781. However, this government had no money or means to obtain money, and a new constitution was needed. In May 1787, a group of men called the Framers met to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation. They wanted a system of government that would prevent the tyranny they had experienced under the British monarchy. They wanted a strong national government that could address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, but they also wanted to enable state governments to address local issues.
The Framers came up with a plan for a government that would be powerful enough to run the country, but would not impose on people's or state's rights. They created a balance of power between three branches of government: the executive branch, which enforces the laws; the legislative branch, which makes the laws; and the judicial branch, which interprets the laws. Each branch has its own responsibilities, including overseeing the other branches, to ensure that no person or group could abuse their powers.
The Framers also established that the people give the government its power. Citizens can exercise that power to make decisions that affect their own and other Americans' lives. To make wise decisions, they should stay informed about the issues and vote. The Framers wanted people to have a voice in the government, but they did not want public opinion to interfere with good governance.
Elementary school students can learn about the basic principles of the US Constitution by reading and analyzing primary sources, such as the Preamble to the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They can also watch videos, such as the Hamilton Cast Read Along videos, which feature cast members of the musical Hamilton reading children's books that explore complex topics in American history. Students can also learn through interactive resources and classroom videos, such as those provided by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
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Middle school students study the Constitution's origins
Middle school students can learn about the origins of the US Constitution by examining the people, ideas, and events that shaped America's cultural, social, and political landscape. This involves exploring the historical context, the philosophical foundations, and the key figures involved in the creation of this important document.
One approach is to focus on the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when fifty-five delegates from twelve of the original thirteen states gathered in the Pennsylvania State House. This convention, presided over by George Washington, produced the Constitution of the United States in just four months. Students can learn about the diverse backgrounds of these delegates, with many having fought in the American Revolution and served in Congress under the Articles of Confederation. Notable figures include Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate at 81, and Jonathan Dayton, the youngest at 26.
To make the learning experience engaging and interactive, teachers can use simulations and role-playing activities. For instance, students can be assigned delegate identities and participate in their own Constitutional Convention, allowing them to step into the shoes of the founding fathers and debate the ideas and principles that shaped the nation.
Additionally, video resources, such as the "Hamilton Cast Read Along" videos, can spark student conversations about complex topics in American history. These videos feature cast members of the musical "Hamilton" reading children's books that explore historical themes. Other video lectures by scholars and historians can provide in-depth insights into the people and events of the time, such as Thomas Jefferson and the early American government.
Worksheets, graphic organizers, and student booklets can also be employed to reinforce concepts and improve understanding. For instance, students can research and match picture cards to descriptions of each amendment in the Bill of Rights, creating a visual representation of their learning.
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High school students explore in-depth topics
The PCI US Constitution Curriculum is designed for high school students. It offers 15 modules, each with videos, activities, and assessments. The curriculum draws on primary source documents and landmark US Supreme Court cases selected by leading experts. Students are encouraged to explore the Constitution and the historical and philosophical foundations of America's founding principles from a diverse range of perspectives.
The National Constitution Center has partnered with Khan Academy to create a free educational resource that empowers students to learn at their own pace. This self-paced course offers nine engaging units where students hear from top constitutional scholars and explore critical constitutional debates shaping the nation.
The curriculum covers in-depth topics such as the following:
- The Constitution and its historical context: Students delve into the "why" and "how" of the American government, examining the people, ideas, and events that shaped the nation's cultural, social, and political landscape.
- Primary source documents: Students engage with primary sources, including the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and landmark Supreme Court cases, to develop critical thinking and analysis skills.
- Founding principles and philosophical foundations: Exploration of the philosophical underpinnings of America's founding principles, such as federalism, separation of powers, individual rights, and democracy.
- Civic engagement and participation: Students learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, political participation, and the importance of making their voices heard to elected leaders.
- Landmark Supreme Court cases: Analysis of significant Supreme Court decisions and their impact on shaping constitutional law and interpreting the Founding Fathers' intentions.
- Current constitutional debates: Encouraging students to engage with contemporary constitutional discussions, such as those surrounding civil liberties, federal power, and social issues, allows them to apply their knowledge to modern contexts.
The PCI US Constitution Curriculum provides high school students with a comprehensive understanding of the US Constitution, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for the complex history and philosophy that shape the nation's foundations.
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Student-led companion courses
The PCI US Constitution Curriculum is designed for elementary school students. It offers lesson plans, activity sheets, videos, and free professional development resources to expand knowledge of the US Constitution. The curriculum includes an introduction to the US Constitution, examining the "why" and "how" of the American government, and an analysis of the Preamble and the Bill of Rights.
- Starting with the Student: Begin with the student's interests, personal goals, and learning paths. This might include an exploration of topics such as the atom bomb, the history of the US, or the analysis of primary sources such as the US Constitution itself.
- Motivation and Passion: Student-led learning recognises that motivation and passion are key to success. By allowing students to pursue their interests within the curriculum, they are more likely to become engaged and motivated, setting them up to be lifelong learners.
- Teacher as a Guide: In a student-led course, the teacher's role shifts from instructor to guide. Teachers ask the right questions and help students reflect on their learning journey, including any failures or setbacks. This enables students to manage their own learning process and develop critical thinking skills.
- Community Engagement: Students should have the opportunity to engage with experts and their peers to solidify and defend their positions. This could include discussions with classmates, exchanges with students worldwide, and interactions with community experts, such as constitutional scholars.
- Access to Information: Ensure students have access to the information they need to deepen their understanding. Provide resources such as videos, podcasts, blogs, and primary texts to enhance their learning experience and offer diverse perspectives.
- Reflection and Growth Mindset: Encourage students to view failures as opportunities for reflection and growth. Focus on academic growth rather than test scores, nurturing curiosity and preparing students for lifelong learning.
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Teacher-led courses
The PCI Education 'Living in the United States' series is an abbreviated version of traditional basal programs. The series includes a 180-page teacher's guide with student worksheets, quizzes, and answer keys. The text has a low reading level and age-appropriate visuals, making it appealing to struggling readers. The program is designed for students reading below grade level, on-level students, and students with learning differences.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History offers a US Constitution curriculum for elementary school students. Over four lessons, students read and analyse the Preamble to the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They answer critical thinking questions, summarise the text, and restate it in their own words. As an optional activity, students may write a persuasive essay. The curriculum also includes lesson plans, activity sheets, interactive resources, and classroom videos.
Constitution 101 on Khan Academy is a teacher-led high school curriculum that offers 15 modules, each with videos, activities, and assessments. Students explore the US Constitution and the historical and philosophical foundations of America’s founding principles through primary source documents and landmark Supreme Court cases. The National Constitution Center has also partnered with Khan Academy to create a free, self-paced high school course with nine units featuring top constitutional scholars.
The Center for Civic Education offers a curriculum called 'We the People' for students in grades 4-12. The curriculum is tailored to each grade level and ensures that content is age-appropriate and aligns with learners' development. In grades 4-5, students are introduced to fundamental concepts related to the Constitution and the structure of the US government. In grades 6-8, students build on this knowledge and explore more complex topics. In high school, students examine the Constitution and American government critically and discuss contemporary issues.
In addition to these programs, there are various other resources and initiatives available to support teacher-led courses on the US Constitution and civics education. For example, the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies provide a framework for teaching social studies in grades pre-K through 12, and Teaching Tolerance offers free materials that emphasise social justice in school curricula.
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Frequently asked questions
The PCI US Constitution curriculum is primarily intended for high school students. It offers 15 modules, each with videos, activities, and assessments.
The curriculum covers topics such as the Constitutional Convention, the structure and functions of the government, the judicial branch, civil liberties, and civil rights.
The learning expectations are that students will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and values of the American democratic republic contained in the Constitution, as well as their rights and responsibilities.
Teachers can use the curriculum to evaluate their current teaching practices, provide consistent learning expectations, and acquire ideas to align with learning expectations.
