A notable feature of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts is the attention given to the teaching of reading and writing in history/social studies, science and technical subjects. The Standards for Reading Informational Text that are included in the Common Core State Standards require students to read texts in depth, understand…

Offers a lesson plan for teaching fifth graders about the concept of a constitution as a contract between the government and the people. The lesson begins with direct instruction on the concept of contracts and then has students look at the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (JDH)

Presents a lesson designed to introduce students to the Bill of Rights. Students learn that their rights are protected by laws and that they must act responsibly. The lesson uses several hypothetical situations and a 1983 U.S. Supreme Court case involving the use of vulgar language by a high school student during an assembly speech. (JDH)

Designed for fifth and sixth grade students in Boulder County (Colorado) schools, this manual provides objectives and activities and lists resources for legal education. The fifth grade unit focuses on awareness of rights and responsibilities through a study of the Bill of Rights, Title IX, citizenship responsibilities, and the juvenile justice…

Presents a lesson which will help students see the importance of the Bill of Rights in their everyday lives and learn the first ten constitutional amendments. Outlines the procedures for a five-day teaching unit, assignment of a student project, and discussion of two problems dealing with freedom of expression. (GEA)

California State Standard 5.7 is delineated in the following manner: "Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze the Constitution's significance as the foundation of the American republic." Students answer six questions about the Constitution and present suggestions for…

This document from the Virginia Department of Education reports on a project to enable public schools to meet requirements of two laws. The first law required public schools to emphasize instruction on the documents of Virginia and United States history and government. The second requested that all public schools be urged to display copies of the…

This curriculum guide and accompanying teacher's guide focus on the individual and personal freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as interpreted by the courts--namely, the idea of fundamental rights as expressed through the concepts of liberty, justice, and equality. The curriculum includes 10 lessons: (1) Rights Are Fundamental; (2)…

In recognition of the need for suitable materials for the teaching of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to young children, this book suggests model lessons, methods, and activities teachers can use. The book is divided into two sections. Section 1 consists of model lessons demonstrating the use of the newspaper to study the Constitution and…