Before you start your summer...

Before you settle into a relaxing summer, the National Constitution Center wants to give you the inside scoop on the great resources and programming we are creating for Constitution Day 2009. Whether you celebrate at the Center or in your classroom, we are offering a variety of ways to engage your students in this important civic holiday.

To Sign or Not to Sign Lesson Plan

Reenact the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, by asking your students to decide whether or not to add their names to a giant copy of the Constitution. With activities designed for elementary, middle and high school students, the “To Sign or Not to Sign” lesson teaches students the importance of taking a stand by putting your name on the line. Soon to be available through the National Constitution Center website, your Constitution Day Kit will include a 31” x 55” laminated copy of the original Articles and 27 Amendments, the “To Sign or Not to Sign” lesson plan, 35 pocket constitutions, the “Creating the Constitution” DVD and a dry erase marker for signing.

Constitution Day Website

This year, the Center is redesigning its Constitution Day website to include new educational resources and content, as well as increased interactivity to reflect the wide adoption of social networking in educational institutions, public work places, and the home. New features include video from recent Constitution Day celebrations at the Center, an online version of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ naturalization test, the “Which Founder Are You? Quiz,” a game that allows users to compare his or her personality traits with 12 of the Signers of the Constitution. In addition, the Center will create an online exhibition about the naturalization process, including video of moving moments from ceremonies in Federal Courts across the country, as well as a quote wall from famous naturalized citizens.

Naturalization Ceremony

Each year, the Center hosts a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens on Constitution Day. This special event, presented in coordination with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is a meaningful welcome to our newest citizens and an educational outreach opportunity for promoting the talents, skills, and cultural heritage these citizens bring to our nation. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM on Thursday, September 17 with the Honorable John R. Padova, United States District Judge, Third Circuit, presiding.

America Reads the Constitution

This year, our America Reads the Constitution event will focus on Americans in Service. Individuals who serve the nation in a variety of capacities will be asked to read the Preamble to the Constitution.

Keep checking here for continual updates on our Constitution Day programming and resources!