http://rs6.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/index.html
This is a companion site to the Library of Congress (LOC) site listed below, and is set up for instructors to enhance the LOC pages. It includes lesson plans, features and activities, collection connection, community center and professional development information. I includes over 7 million historical documents, photographs, maps, films and audio recordings, and offers lessons, features, activities and tips and tricks to use these collections effectively.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Constitution: Library of Congress
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bdsds/bdsdhome.html
The Library of Congress' repositories for Constitutional documents and information.
The Library of Congress' repositories for Constitutional documents and information.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
'Be Not Afraid': Justice Clarence Thomas on Supreme Court Functionality
http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/sayitplain/cthomas.html
This speech from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas entitled 'Be Not Afraid' American Enterprise Institute (February 13, 2001) is from Say It Plain, A Century of Great African American Speeches, on American Radio Works. The speech context is both in spoken and written formats. The speech discusses Constitutional interpretation by Thomas, and the role of the Supreme Court in the strict interpretation of the law. He includes thoughts such as:
"Third, this approach recognizes the basic principle of a written Constitution. "We the people" adopted a written Constitution precisely because it has a fixed meaning, a meaning that does not change. Otherwise we would have adopted the British approach of an unwritten, evolving Constitution. Aside from amendment, according to Article V, the Constitution's meaning cannot be updated, or changed, or altered by the Supreme Court, the Congress, or the President. "
The speech is clearly spoken by Thomas, at a good rate of speed to encourage understanding. Having the actual context of the speech is also helpful for students to increase their level of understanding. The ideals of justice being blind, and the role of the Court to interpret the Constitution without prejudice or change from the original intent is important for students to understand. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to work on language, context and the Constitution all at the same time.
It ends with the simple exhortation from Pope John Paul II to 'Be Not Afraid'. A simple message to millions who are challenged by tyrants and murderers to offer a quiet resolve and unvoiced courage necessary to endure the inevitable intimidation. His last words are:
"The Founders warned us that freedom requires constant vigilance and repeated action. It is said that when asked what sort of government the Founders had created, Benjamin Franklin replied that they had given us "a Republic, if you can keep it." Today, as in the past, we will need a brave "civic virtue," not a timid civility, to keep our republic. So, this evening, I leave you with the simple exhortation: "Be not afraid."
This gives us a perspective both historical and current, and helps students to understand the founding principles of our country in their quest to understand the Constitution. I highly recommend this speech, but a minimum reading level should be about 8th grade to truly understand the concepts that are expressed. However, students at a lower reading level can still gain some understanding by listening.
This speech from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas entitled 'Be Not Afraid' American Enterprise Institute (February 13, 2001) is from Say It Plain, A Century of Great African American Speeches, on American Radio Works. The speech context is both in spoken and written formats. The speech discusses Constitutional interpretation by Thomas, and the role of the Supreme Court in the strict interpretation of the law. He includes thoughts such as:
"Third, this approach recognizes the basic principle of a written Constitution. "We the people" adopted a written Constitution precisely because it has a fixed meaning, a meaning that does not change. Otherwise we would have adopted the British approach of an unwritten, evolving Constitution. Aside from amendment, according to Article V, the Constitution's meaning cannot be updated, or changed, or altered by the Supreme Court, the Congress, or the President. "
The speech is clearly spoken by Thomas, at a good rate of speed to encourage understanding. Having the actual context of the speech is also helpful for students to increase their level of understanding. The ideals of justice being blind, and the role of the Court to interpret the Constitution without prejudice or change from the original intent is important for students to understand. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to work on language, context and the Constitution all at the same time.
It ends with the simple exhortation from Pope John Paul II to 'Be Not Afraid'. A simple message to millions who are challenged by tyrants and murderers to offer a quiet resolve and unvoiced courage necessary to endure the inevitable intimidation. His last words are:
"The Founders warned us that freedom requires constant vigilance and repeated action. It is said that when asked what sort of government the Founders had created, Benjamin Franklin replied that they had given us "a Republic, if you can keep it." Today, as in the past, we will need a brave "civic virtue," not a timid civility, to keep our republic. So, this evening, I leave you with the simple exhortation: "Be not afraid."
This gives us a perspective both historical and current, and helps students to understand the founding principles of our country in their quest to understand the Constitution. I highly recommend this speech, but a minimum reading level should be about 8th grade to truly understand the concepts that are expressed. However, students at a lower reading level can still gain some understanding by listening.
Monday, November 21, 2005
US Law and History
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Illinois Constitution Webquest
This webquest was designed to allow students to learn about the Illinois Constitution and also some historical facts concerning Illinois. There are assignments that may be printed, completed, and turned in for evaluation purposes. If completed properly this webquest will prepare students for the required test on the Illinois Constitution.
Constitution Society
This site aims to eventually provide almost everything one needs to accurately decide what is and is not constitutional in most situations, and what applicable constitutions require one to do. It is for constitutional decision support.
The Constitution Society is a private non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education on the principles of constitutional republican government. It publishes documentation, engages in litigation, and organizes local citizens groups to work for reform.
This organization was founded in response to the growing concern that noncompliance with the Constitution for the United States of America and most state constitutions is creating a crisis of legitimacy that threatens freedom and civil rights. Although the focus here is on government in the United States, coverage also includes the rest of the world, and private as well as public organizations. We maintain that the principles of constitutional republicanism are universal, and applicable to all nations, although not well understood or upheld by most. We also examine the related principles of federalism and nomocracy, the rule of law, of nomology, the science of law, and show how those principles are applicable to solving the fundamental problem of avoiding excessive or unbalanced concentrations of power.
We have a Liberty Library of Constitutional Classics collection that should be of interest to anyone seeking guidance on constitutional interpretation.
The Constitution Society is a private non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education on the principles of constitutional republican government. It publishes documentation, engages in litigation, and organizes local citizens groups to work for reform.
This organization was founded in response to the growing concern that noncompliance with the Constitution for the United States of America and most state constitutions is creating a crisis of legitimacy that threatens freedom and civil rights. Although the focus here is on government in the United States, coverage also includes the rest of the world, and private as well as public organizations. We maintain that the principles of constitutional republicanism are universal, and applicable to all nations, although not well understood or upheld by most. We also examine the related principles of federalism and nomocracy, the rule of law, of nomology, the science of law, and show how those principles are applicable to solving the fundamental problem of avoiding excessive or unbalanced concentrations of power.
We have a Liberty Library of Constitutional Classics collection that should be of interest to anyone seeking guidance on constitutional interpretation.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Video and Online Broadcasts of Justice Department Workings
http://justicel.bootnetworks.com/ConstitutionDay/index.asp
Online and satellite broadcast Sept. 16, 2005 of "Justice Talking: Free Speech in the Digital Age" (1:30 p.m. EDT) and "Conversations with Supreme Court Justices" (noon and 3 p.m. EDT).
The site also has a series of excepts with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor that can be shown at any time on the computer, using Windows Media or RealMedia.
Online and satellite broadcast Sept. 16, 2005 of "Justice Talking: Free Speech in the Digital Age" (1:30 p.m. EDT) and "Conversations with Supreme Court Justices" (noon and 3 p.m. EDT).
The site also has a series of excepts with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor that can be shown at any time on the computer, using Windows Media or RealMedia.
Lesson Plans/Modules
www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/module2/index.html
A module on the Constitution for teachers and students, prepared by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
A module on the Constitution for teachers and students, prepared by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
National Archives and Records Website
www.nara.gov
The official site of the National Archives and Records Administration, featuring historic primary-source documents.
The official site of the National Archives and Records Administration, featuring historic primary-source documents.
Constitution Day September 17th
ThisWeek@newsweekeducation.com
The Newsweek Education Program has teamed with National History Day and Oxford University Press to bring teachers a variety of classroom activities to use in commemoration of Constitution Day. The activities, along with other recommended resources, are presented below in a Newsweek ThisWeek Extra! The same content can be found on our web site at www.newsweekeducation.com/constitutionday where it is available in a formatted four-page PDF document and also as a Microsoft Word document.
Great lesson plans and teaching ideas.
The Newsweek Education Program has teamed with National History Day and Oxford University Press to bring teachers a variety of classroom activities to use in commemoration of Constitution Day. The activities, along with other recommended resources, are presented below in a Newsweek ThisWeek Extra! The same content can be found on our web site at www.newsweekeducation.com/constitutionday where it is available in a formatted four-page PDF document and also as a Microsoft Word document.
Great lesson plans and teaching ideas.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Reference Tools
Reference Tools ----------------- Excellent resources:
REFDESK - In a library, if you don't know where to look for a reference book, you go to the Reference Librarian. On the Internet, if you don't know where to look for answers, you go to Refdesk.com. At first glance, the sheer amount of useful links on the Refdesk home page can be overwhelming. But it's really quite well organized and useful.
RefDesk - http://www.refdesk.com
LIBRARY SPOT - Convenient links to popular online Almanacs, Calculators, Dictionaries, Directories, Encyclopedias, Historic Documents, Quotations, Statistics, and Thesauri. LibrarySpot - http://www.libraryspot.com
REFDESK - In a library, if you don't know where to look for a reference book, you go to the Reference Librarian. On the Internet, if you don't know where to look for answers, you go to Refdesk.com. At first glance, the sheer amount of useful links on the Refdesk home page can be overwhelming. But it's really quite well organized and useful.
RefDesk - http://www.refdesk.com
LIBRARY SPOT - Convenient links to popular online Almanacs, Calculators, Dictionaries, Directories, Encyclopedias, Historic Documents, Quotations, Statistics, and Thesauri. LibrarySpot - http://www.libraryspot.com
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Constitution Daily Special
Char Rokop and Pat Fabian reviewed all the GED programs on the network, as well as Learning 2000 and the Grolier Encyclopedia. They put together a list of the acceptable portions of the program, by content area and reading level, and developed a new Constitution Daily Special for use this fall. Together with the Web sites, they create a very meaningful program for the students on Constitution Day, September 17. We can work on finishing up and promoting the Daily Special when classes resume in the fall. Thanks, Pat and Char!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Citizenship Test: Adults
http://www.herald-sun.com/votebook/citizenship/citstart.html This is a short test with questions that are likely to be asked by the INS. Students can answer and score the test online.
Citizenship/ESL: Kids, English and Spanish
http://www.goodcharacter.com/pp/citizenship.html
Another good Family Literacy site, this covers how to be a good citizen, discussion questions, writing assignments and student activities. Although created to go with a video on the Six Pillars of Character (information on the video is on the site), many of the lessons are adaptable, and are also in Spanish. For grades K-5.
Another good Family Literacy site, this covers how to be a good citizen, discussion questions, writing assignments and student activities. Although created to go with a video on the Six Pillars of Character (information on the video is on the site), many of the lessons are adaptable, and are also in Spanish. For grades K-5.
Citizenship: Kids
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr008.shtml
This is a curriculum for kids, and is great for Family Literacy. It covers: Teaching Citizenship’s Five Themes Activities from the editors of Weekly Reader can help develop K-6 students' understanding of the five citizenship themes and has a solid curriculum with some discussion points that can be used for parents and children to explore the main themes.
Advocating the five themes of citizenship -- honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, and courage -- is not enough. Exploring those themes, talking about them, and making connections between those themes and your students’ lives are the keys to developing a true understanding of the concepts. The activities below, which will help develop those themes, are divided by grade levels:
Activities for Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1
Activities for Students in Grades 2 and 3
Activities for Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6
This is a curriculum for kids, and is great for Family Literacy. It covers: Teaching Citizenship’s Five Themes Activities from the editors of Weekly Reader can help develop K-6 students' understanding of the five citizenship themes and has a solid curriculum with some discussion points that can be used for parents and children to explore the main themes.
Advocating the five themes of citizenship -- honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, and courage -- is not enough. Exploring those themes, talking about them, and making connections between those themes and your students’ lives are the keys to developing a true understanding of the concepts. The activities below, which will help develop those themes, are divided by grade levels:
Activities for Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1
Activities for Students in Grades 2 and 3
Activities for Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6
ESL Citizenship: Kids Page
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/
For Family Literacy, this is a great page on citizenship from a child's perspective. Created by PBS Kids in New York, it covers what being an American is all about and also has a section on New York which includes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Areas addressed include: For Teachers, Parents & Kids NY Online Explore the Learning AdventuresPBS Online Thirteen Online American Experience .
For Family Literacy, this is a great page on citizenship from a child's perspective. Created by PBS Kids in New York, it covers what being an American is all about and also has a section on New York which includes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Areas addressed include: For Teachers, Parents & Kids NY Online Explore the Learning AdventuresPBS Online Thirteen Online American Experience .
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
ESL: Citizenship
http://www.usnaturalization.org/
This site is the US Naturalization Services home site, and has a trove of information on U. S. Citizenship requirements and forms.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/citizen.htm
Information on eligibility requirements, fees, green cards etc. Also a U.S. Government site.
This site is the US Naturalization Services home site, and has a trove of information on U. S. Citizenship requirements and forms.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/citizen.htm
Information on eligibility requirements, fees, green cards etc. Also a U.S. Government site.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Citizenship: Questions in English and Spanish for EL/Civics
This is a DVD or VHS tape that can be purchased from High Tec Productions, 348 Illinois Avenue, Mercedes, TX 78570. The cost is $19.95 per DVD, but quantity prices are available. The information is also available in a Mandarin/English version. The Study Guide includes a booklet with questions in English and Spanish, as well as a quiz, plus one DVD which includes 3 videos covering the Federal Government, Constitution and History, Symbols and State Government. On the video, the question is first asked in English with a picture or video that represents the topic of the question or answer. The question is then repeated in the second language. The question is last repeated in English followed by a pause so that you can answer the question in English. Each study guide is set up so that you purchase the one with the correct answers for the state in which your interview or test will be conducted.
email address is: sales@hightecproductions.com, and a phone number is (956) 565-5589
email address is: sales@hightecproductions.com, and a phone number is (956) 565-5589
Constitution: Constitution and Government via Benjamin Franklin
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ Ben's Site
This is an interesting site that uses the character of Benjamin Franklin to explore the Constitution and the U.S. Government. The site develops the information for various grade levels, including K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Parents & Teachers and would be appropriate for ABE/GED, ESL, Family Literacy and Literacy level students.
This is an interesting site that uses the character of Benjamin Franklin to explore the Constitution and the U.S. Government. The site develops the information for various grade levels, including K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Parents & Teachers and would be appropriate for ABE/GED, ESL, Family Literacy and Literacy level students.
Constitution: Constitution Simulation Activity
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/marston/constitution/ A Web Quest
Developed for students at a middle school level, this site gives a simulated game type program for students to explore the Constitution by taking on the persona of a member of one of the three branches of government.
The Introduction explains this simulation further:
"The United States Government needs your help! Your mission for this project is to become a member of one of the three branches of government, and to investigate information about your branch of government. You will need to research websites that deal with the United States Constitution. Once you uncover information about your particular branch, you will participate in a simulation where real life situations will be posed, and you will need to decide who in the three branches has the power to do what. For instance, if the President of the United States wants to make a treaty with China, how would the three branches of government make it happen? Good luck--the fate of the country is in your hands."
Developed for students at a middle school level, this site gives a simulated game type program for students to explore the Constitution by taking on the persona of a member of one of the three branches of government.
The Introduction explains this simulation further:
"The United States Government needs your help! Your mission for this project is to become a member of one of the three branches of government, and to investigate information about your branch of government. You will need to research websites that deal with the United States Constitution. Once you uncover information about your particular branch, you will participate in a simulation where real life situations will be posed, and you will need to decide who in the three branches has the power to do what. For instance, if the President of the United States wants to make a treaty with China, how would the three branches of government make it happen? Good luck--the fate of the country is in your hands."
Constitution: Lesson Plans
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSExecutiveBranchUSConstitutionJH.htm
A great resource for instructors who wish to teach the Constitution in a class setting. This is done for students at a junior high level, so the content level is appropriate for GED prep students.
A great resource for instructors who wish to teach the Constitution in a class setting. This is done for students at a junior high level, so the content level is appropriate for GED prep students.
Constitution: U.S. Constitution Quiz
http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/constitution/quiz/ this is the kids.org site exploring the Government, but it is an interesting sites for students wanting to test their knowledge of the Constitution and facts.
Constitution: Constitution Center/Interactive
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/TheU.S.Constitution/index.shtml
This site translates the Constitution into Spanish and other languages, and would be useful for students to get the full impact of the document in their native language. There is also a wonderful interactive section to explore by keyword search, by topic or by Supreme Court cases. Another section gives a Constitutional timeline that includes audio clips, point/counterpoint debates, newspaper headlines and maps and graphs. This is an excellent teaching tool. I especially liked that the text is read aloud, and that it discusses the Constitution throughout the various eras. This section requires broadband.
Founding documents are also featured, including:
Magna Carta
Mayflower Compact
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Federalist Papers
Constitution
Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments)
Reconstruction Amendments
This site translates the Constitution into Spanish and other languages, and would be useful for students to get the full impact of the document in their native language. There is also a wonderful interactive section to explore by keyword search, by topic or by Supreme Court cases. Another section gives a Constitutional timeline that includes audio clips, point/counterpoint debates, newspaper headlines and maps and graphs. This is an excellent teaching tool. I especially liked that the text is read aloud, and that it discusses the Constitution throughout the various eras. This section requires broadband.
Founding documents are also featured, including:
Magna Carta
Mayflower Compact
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Federalist Papers
Constitution
Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments)
Reconstruction Amendments
Constitution: U.S. Senate Reference Home
http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm
Includes the original text and an explanation of the text, a listing of the current U.S. Senators with districts and addresses, committees, a bill search feature and art and history relating to the Constitution.
Includes the original text and an explanation of the text, a listing of the current U.S. Senators with districts and addresses, committees, a bill search feature and art and history relating to the Constitution.
Constitution: Search Information
http://www.nwbuildnet.com/nwbn/usconstitutionsearch.html
"We have provided this service to help our users better understand their rights and freedoms under the law and the United States Constitution. You can search by keywords, titles, articles, etc."
Use this handy form provided US House of Represenatives to help you find and contact Members of the United States House of Representatives. Please note that the contact information accessible through this service is provided by each Member office.
Digital Diplomacy for Students: The U.S. Department of State's special web page for students in elementary, middle, and high school.
Our National Directory of U.S. Government Resources provides a comprehensive list of construction specific agencies, departments and services available online from the US Government.
"We have provided this service to help our users better understand their rights and freedoms under the law and the United States Constitution. You can search by keywords, titles, articles, etc."
Use this handy form provided US House of Represenatives to help you find and contact Members of the United States House of Representatives. Please note that the contact information accessible through this service is provided by each Member office.
Digital Diplomacy for Students: The U.S. Department of State's special web page for students in elementary, middle, and high school.
Our National Directory of U.S. Government Resources provides a comprehensive list of construction specific agencies, departments and services available online from the US Government.
Constitution: Constitution Facts
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/ Constitution Facts
At Constitutionfacts.com you'll see the entire text of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence - and much more! You'll find interesting insights into the men who wrote the Constitution, how it was created, and how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution in the two centuries since its creation.
At Constitutionfacts.com you'll see the entire text of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence - and much more! You'll find interesting insights into the men who wrote the Constitution, how it was created, and how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution in the two centuries since its creation.
Constitution: Yale Law School Avalon Project
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/usconst.htm The Avalon Project at Yale Law School
This site contains many of the previous documents that formed the base of knowledge used in creating the Constitution, as well as important speeches and documents from other centuries to the present.
This site contains many of the previous documents that formed the base of knowledge used in creating the Constitution, as well as important speeches and documents from other centuries to the present.
Constitution: Interactive/Multimedia
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/
Dedicated to honoring and explaining the U.S. Constitution through interactive and multimedia exhibits, photographs, film, sculpture, text, and artifacts.
Dedicated to honoring and explaining the U.S. Constitution through interactive and multimedia exhibits, photographs, film, sculpture, text, and artifacts.
Constitution: Hypertext Version
http://www.usconstitution.net/ hypertext version of the U.S. constitution, with a FAQ, message base, glossary, and comprehensive links to information on U.S. State and other constitutions.
Constitution: National Archives
http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/constitution.html
The National Archives has a nationwide network of research facilities. This site has a scan of the U.S. Constitution available online.
The National Archives has a nationwide network of research facilities. This site has a scan of the U.S. Constitution available online.
Welcome to the Constitution Blog!
The Waubonsee Community College Constitution Day blog is being developed to give students some interesting Websites for Constitution Day/Citizenship Day on September 17th. However, this blog will be available to all students at any time, celebrating the wealth of national treasure that is shared by all Americans.
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