A classroom examination of the featured historical article announcing North Carolina's ratification of the Constitution can springboard into a lesson on federalism, the Bill of Rights, and the ratification process.

At the turn of the 20th century, Pink Teas (alternately known as "suffrage teas") were held by women who championed women's right to vote. In this article, the author provides historical background on Pink Teas and ideas of how to teach about them in the elementary classroom.

Social studies and history have taken a back seat to other subjects in recent years, but the author argues that there is far too much at stake to allow these important fields to become irrelevant. To drive home the point, in this article, he shares a story about the 9/11 Commission, that made headlines in 2004.

History education lends itself to considering historical problems from the perspective of people of that time and exploring their thinking or "predictions" about the problems' possible effects. Building lessons around the use of prediction-making humanizes history because it allows students to investigate historical events and understand…

Activities are described for helping students celebrate and learn about ratification and the historical debates preceding the Constitution's acceptance. (CB)

Discusses the following five myths and suggests ways of using them to teach about the Constitution: (1) the Bill of Rights is the Constitution's heart; (2) reactionary commercial interests created the Constitution to maintain the status quo; (3) the structure is antidemocratic; (4) it sanctioned slavery; and (5) it made the legislature supreme.…

This article identifies six problems that teachers routinely encounter in teaching about the U.S. Constitution and suggests practical ways to overcome them. Among the problems covered are the heavy concept load and difficult reading level. (Author/BSR)

Uses five myths about the Constitution of the United States to help students better understand the basis for and the ratification of this important historical document. Among the myths included are the heart of the Constitution is the Bill of Rights and the Constitution was created by reactionary commercial interests to maintain the status quo.…

States that the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, celebrated between 1987 and 1991, provides opportunities for the social studies curriculum. Discusses the need for increased knowledge of the Constitution and presents an approach to better understanding. (GEA)

Discusses the U.S. Constitution's endurance throughout the years and states that it must be taught so that all citizens will know the value of their participation in a democratic society. Advocates a "Celebration of the Constitution," teaching it with the respect and vigor it deserves on its 200th birthday. (GEA)

A teacher recalls how an entire elementary school became involved in the planning of a school-wide celebration and reenactment of the Constitutional Convention. Resource tips and activities are described. (CB)

Introducing this issue of lesson plans, the author states that teaching about the U.S. Constitution is a great challenge because students with varied reading levels and intellectual maturity must develop an understanding and appreciation of the complex philosophical and legal principles that underlie the whole of U.S. society. Recommends use of…

This article presents a document from the National Archives dealing with the 1864 case known as ex parte Milligan, in which a civilian was sentenced to die by a military court. The article includes background, teaching suggestions, and samples of handouts. (JDH)

Presents 11 ERIC documents selected specifically for secondary and college-level history teachers. Six documents examine the role of history teachers, with materials ranging from a rationale for teaching history to practical classroom applications in the field. Five documents include resources for teaching about the U.S. Constitution. (GEA)

Recommends Paul L. Murphy's 25-year-old article "Time to Reclaim: The Current Challenge of American Constitutional History" as a starting place for teachers interested in teaching about the history of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a three-page annotated bibliography of books on constitutional history. (BSR)