This publication was prepared as a resource guide to teaching strategies that help students understand the background, nature, and pervasive influence of the U.S. Constitution in the lives of every citizen. As the Constitutional Bicentennial approaches, the focus in many social studies classes increasingly will be on teaching about this most…

This seminar discussed the civic preparation that educators themselves need to enable them to better prepare elementary and secondary students to become more effective and responsible citizens. The proceedings began with a paper on "Civil Learning for Teachers: Capstone for Educational Reform," by R. Freeman Butts. Following this, the five general…

Presents seven brief articles on legal issues concerning young people. Addresses such topics as curfews, teen smoking, dress codes, and child labor. Some articles are student-written while others profile student activity. Student authors include Mike Michaud, Danny Rosen, Carrie Kendrick, and William Hansen. (MJP)

Examines the legal and moral issues, controversies, and unique trial procedures involved with the death penalty. Discusses the 1972 landmark Supreme Court decision that resulted in many states abolishing this punishment, only to reintroduce it later with different provisions. Reviews the controversial case of Sam Sheppard. (MJP)

Considers the broad range of jobs in law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional systems. Discusses the various paths of education and training leading to these jobs, the most preeminent being law school. Considers opportunities in growing fields such as international criminal law. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to identify and examine the First Amendment as it applies to school-related issues. Procedures include researching a specific case and role playing its participants, followed by a discussion and written analysis. Includes three recent Supreme Court cases. (MJP)

Reaffirms the importance of civic education and active learning about the Bill of Rights and attendant civic responsibilities. Identifies four categories of knowledge deficiencies about the Bill of Rights. Explores four key ways to improve teaching and learning about the Bill of Rights. Stresses connections between civic knowledge and the vitality…

This catalog lists the materials that the Utah Statewide Clearinghouse on Law-Related Education loans to teachers and anybody else interested in law-related education (LRE). The catalog provides a table of contents that guides the reader to materials on all aspects of law from the constitution to legislation against drug use and on all aspects of…

This handbook was developed out of a series of seminars to provide inservice staff development on teaching about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to high school students with and without special needs. Preliminary information gives background for supervisors of such staff development seminars and lists principles of effective staff…

Provides accompanying learning activities for each of the articles in the same issue. The brief articles address a number of legal issues concerning young people including dress codes, teen smoking, curfews, restricted areas (such as the mall), and child labor. Includes a law term crossword puzzle. (MJP)

Considers the twin legal questions of, constitutional support for, and challenges against, character education in public schools. Discovers a number of court cases establishing precedence for character education. Appraises the legal efficacy of constitutional challenges and finds them wanting. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan for middle school students that teaches the constitutional guidelines which states must follow when deciding who may vote. Students read brief fictional scenarios involving voting rights in a school election and cast votes concerning eligibility. Later handouts discuss constitutional guidelines and voting rights. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan for middle school students that helps them develop an understanding of the Electoral College and the role of political parties in presidential elections. After receiving related background material and handouts, students play a question-and-answer game modeled on the television show "Jeopardy." (MJP)

This teacher's curriculum guide is designed to introduce secondary students to the ideas behind the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution and the experiences of the Founders that led to the creation of this document. The curriculum's intent is to provide young people with a knowledge of how the Bill of Rights came into existence, why it took the…

Presents a lesson plan on federalism that involves the class researching constitutional issues and inviting local officials to debate these issues. Students conduct a question-and-answer session afterward utilizing their research. Includes a list of proposed issues. (MJP)