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On Constitution Day, which is celebrated on September 17, many schools will focus on delving into the history of this 237-year old document. Formerly known as Citizen Day, this day commemorates when the Constitution was signed in 1787. And if your school receives federal funding, it is required by law to teach something about it.
Whether or not you’re required to teach a lesson, Constitution Day can serve as a timely opportunity to explore the foundations of American democracy with students. Whether you’re teaching elementary, middle, or high school, there are plenty of engaging activities you can do to bring the U.S. Constitution to life in your classroom.
Constitution Day Activities for Elementary, Middle & High School Students
Check out these activities to make Constitution Day an educational and exciting experience for your students.
Start with the basics
For starters, begin with an activity or lesson that introduces the Constitution. Explain its significance, the events that led up to its creation, and its foundational role in shaping the U.S. government and the rights of its citizens from 1787 through the present day.
U.S Constitution Activities/Worksheets/Student Booklet 1st/2nd/3rd Grade
By Happy Days in First Grade
Grades: 1-3
Bill of Rights Reading Comprehension Constitution Worksheet Constitution
By Teaching to the Middle
Grades: 5-6
Constitution Day Activity
By A Social Studies Life
Grades: 8-10
The U.S. Constitution PowerPoint and Guided Notes (Print and Digital Resource)
By History Gal
Grades: 9-12
Draft a classroom constitution
One of the most engaging ways to teach about the Constitution is to have students create their own! Have students collaborate to draft a constitution for the classroom. During this activity, they can discuss and vote on the rules that govern their classroom. Not only is it an engaging way to teach about the Constitution, but it doubles as a great classroom management activity at the beginning of the school year.
Create a Class Constitution Classroom Rules Back to School Group Activity
By Cameron Brazleton
Grades: 4-11
Class Constitution: Creating a Classroom Constitution & Preamble
By Mister Harms
Grades: 6-12
Interact with the Constitution
Make learning about the U.S. Constitution fun with activities that are interactive and hands-on. Create a scavenger hunt or escape room with clues that ask students to find information about specific articles, amendments, or facts. For younger students, try a lapbook or craftivity that has students create, assemble, and organize information about the Constitution — all of which are helpful for enhancing retention and mastery!
The US Constitution Lap Book – United States Constitution Day Activity
By Hooty’s Homeroom
Grades: 3-5
Branches of Government PowerPoint and Craftivity: Constitution Day Activity Set
By Deb Hanson
Grades: 3-6
U.S. Constitution ESCAPE ROOM Activity! Constitution Day – Reading Comprehension
By Think Tank
Grades: 4-8
7 Principles of the Constitution Powerpoint, Foldable, and Activities
By Ms Social Studies Teacher
Grades: 6-9
Collaborate on a Constitution poster
Students create posters that illustrate key aspects of the Constitution, such as the three branches of government, checks and balances, or the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. This is a great way to fill up some blank wall space with student work around the classroom or in the hallway!
Constitution Day Activity | Classroom Collaboration Preamble Poster
By Art with Jenny K
Grades: 1-8
Want more ideas for lessons or classroom activities this Constitution Day? We’ve got you covered! Discover more Constitution Day activities on TPT.
