Ways to Make Constitution Day Meaningful for Students

September 17, 1787, marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution—and the National Constitution Center is here to help you bring this history to life for your students. Explore free digital resources and virtual programming designed to spark conversation, deepen understanding, and connect the Constitution’s ideas to today.

Top Picks for the Classroom

• Constitution 101 Curriculum: Use videos and activities from the modules to supplement existing lessons at the high school and middle school levels
• Interactive Constitution: Encourage exploration of the text and its history
• Special video release: Watch Supreme Court Associate Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Justice Stephen G. Breyer, (Ret.), reflect on the Constitution, the Declaration, and the principles we live by.
• Constitution Day Hub: Discover even more resources from our partners at the Civics Renewal Network.

Live Classroom Events

Student Town Hall: A Conversation with Benjamin Franklin Featuring Carol Berkin

September 17 | 11:15 a.m. ET 

National Constitution Center Vice President of Civic Education Julie Silverbrook and historian and author Carol Berkin will lead a discussion with one of history’s favorite founding figures: Benjamin Franklin. This special program will explore Franklin’s life, his contributions to our nation’s founding documents, and the impact that our founders’ legacies have on America 250 years later. Benjamin Franklin will be portrayed by a professional reenactor. Register to attend online

Launch of the America at 250 Civic Toolkit

September 17 | 1:30 p.m. ET

National Constitution Center Vice President of Civic Education Julie Silverbrook is joined by historian and author Carol Berkinand legal scholar Mary Sarah Bilder to launch the NCC’s newest resource, the America at 250 Civic Toolkit. The resource explores key constitutional ideas and principles through a new Interactive Declaration of Independence. Register to attend online

Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law

The National Constitution Center, Duquesne University, and the Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence are proud to present a video and accompanying discussion questions for Constitution Day on the vital topic of the importance of judicial independence in our Constitutional democracy.

The video features retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in conversation with constitutional scholar Ken Gormley, President of Duquesne University, with introductory remarks by Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center.

Created for a 50–60-minute class period, this video and discussion questions can be used to fulfill the Congressional mandate for educational programming on Constitution Day.

Upcoming Virtual Learning Session

An Introduction to NCC Protocols

Tuesday, September 23 | 7–8 p.m. ET

During this free introductory session, educators will get an overview of the new NCC protocols for implementing our resources in their classrooms.

Educators will use the Window Notes NCC protocol to analyze the Declaration of Independence and then engage in the Consensogram NCC protocol to dialogue about the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through hands-on application, this session will support the implementation of the National Constitution Center’s educational framework in their classrooms.

Connect With Us

Constitution 101 | Professional Learning | Virtual Student Programs | Events Calendar 

About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

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