The U.S. Constitution

Students describe what they feel when they sing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Then they examine the structure and content of the Constitution and infer its purpose. Next they analyze the Preamble and the goals of the Constitution. Finally they create an illustration of the Preamble and add the caption, “We the People of the United States.”

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for The U.S. Constitution:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students describe what they feel when they sing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Then they examine the structure and content of the Constitution and infer its purpose. Next they analyze the Preamble and the goals of the Constitution. Finally they create an illustration of the Preamble and add the caption, “We the People of the United States.” The Student Pack contains an optional video, which serves as a good overview of the Constitution. You may choose to assign the video for students to watch at home before beginning the experience in class.

There is no Evaluate scene in this experience. The Unit Assessment is a 10-question quiz for summarizing Celebrate Freedom Week at the end of the Celebrate Freedom Week Playlist.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes

 

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

  • Constitution: the plan for the United States government that explains how the government is organized and what powers it has.
  • Preamble: the introduction to the Constitution that explains the reasons and goals for the Constitution.
  • Articles: the seven main parts of the Constitution that tell about different parts of the government and how the Constitution works.
  • executive branch: the part of the government led by the president that carries out and enforces laws.
  • judicial branch: the part of the government that includes the Supreme Court and decides whether laws follow the Constitution.
  • unconstitutional: not allowed by the Constitution; a court can rule that a law is unconstitutional if it goes against the Constitution.
  • We the People: words in the Preamble that show the government gets its power from the people of the United States.
 

Objectives

  • Explain the main ideas of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Reflect on the meaning of the U.S. Constitution.


Engage


According to the “Star Spangled Banner,” the national anthem, the United States is the “land of the free.” This week is Celebrate Freedom Week, and you will be learning about three major documents throughout the week—the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—and what they add to our freedom.

Objectives

  • Explain the main ideas of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Reflect on the meaning of the U.S. Constitution.


the U.S. flag

How do you feel when you sing “The Star Spangled Banner” or see the flag flying?

Post your answer

Give students a few minutes to read and discuss the posts. Emphasize that this is a subjective question and that students should respect one another’s feelings about the Star Spangled Banner because everyone’s experiences in the country is unique.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Celebrate Freedom Week Unit.

Celebrate Freedom Week: Unit Assessment

The U.S. Constitution

The Declaration of Independence

The Bill of Rights
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning Texas Studies course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top