LPS celebrates Constitution Day

Students throughout Lincoln Public Schools took time on Thursday to celebrate Constitution Day through a variety of activities and lessons.

On the elementary level, fifth-grade teachers covered a number of Constitution topics. Students watched a short video about the Constitution, then learned more specifically about the Preamble of the Constitution. Discussion questions included, "What does each part mean?" and "Why is each part important?" Third-graders were asked, Why are rules and laws important? They gave examples of rules or laws for families, schools, communities, states and the country. They also discussed why the United States needed a Constitution.

At Irving Middle School, social studies teacher Dusty Bayne first showed students how to look up their state senator on the Nebraska Unicameral's website, then asked them to write to their senator about a cause of their choice. At Scott Middle School, social studies teacher Tobi Scaggs split each class into two groups and conducted a mock legislative debate as part of a lesson about passing laws and the legislative process. The lesson was designed by Nebraska College of Law students, who in the past have presented it to middle school classes in person. 

And at Lincoln East High School, social studies teacher Alise Pape led students in a game of Constitution trivia. Examples of questions included: What state is spelled wrong in the Constitution? Which founding fathers missed the Constitutional Convention? What year was the Constitution ratified?

LPS K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Jaci Kellison said it remains vital that students learn about the Constitution.

"Constitution Day provides the opportunity for students to learn and apply critical knowledge about the founding of our nation, which contributes to our goal of creating informed, active and engaged members of society," Kellison said.

 

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