Independence Day Resources
July 4th is almost here and for U.S.-based teachers that means an extra-long weekend lies ahead. This year holds more significance than some previous Independence Days. No, it’s not because Jeff Goldblum and company managed to reboot their 20-year old movie franchise. 2016 features one of the most contested and historic presidential elections ever, making this Independence Day a teaching opportunity.
If you are still in touch with your students and/or their parents via email and social media during the summer, then consider sharing with them some interesting information about the American Revolution, the Constitution, how our founding fathers shaped the country we have today, or the presidential election itself. Below are some resources to help your efforts.
Independence Day Lessons via NEA
The National Education Association (NEA) has a resource page that features several Independence Day lessons for students in grades 5-12. One of our favorites is the Jefferson desk lesson plan from the Smithsonian. The lesson introduces students to doing history with objects and lesson plans focusing on the Jefferson Desk and the Declaration of Independence.
TED ED Video on Why the Constitution is so Hard to Amend
The founding fathers created a rigid framework to guarantee personal freedoms in the United States. It takes an amendment to change the Constitution, and the last amendment to the Constitution was approved in 1992, more than 200 years after it was originally proposed! This Ted Ed video from Peter Paccone explains why it is so hard to make these changes.
Constitution Center Lesson Plans
Want more than just a TED Ed video? Then check out the Constitution Center’s lessons plans for grades 7-12. As its goal to educate the public about our Constitution, the constitution Center offers numerous online resources for teachers to access and use in their classrooms.
What resources would you add for Independence Day-minded educators?