Program Topics
Traveling history shows and workshops are designed to reach your students in a new format, get them excited about history, and energize their civic voices! Choose a topic that best suits your students’ needs. We are always interested in your suggestions for additional topics.
SIGNING ON WITH THE SIGNERS - A LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR OF SIGNERS’ HALL
Grades 2-12
Length: 45 minutes, Cost: $125, Internet, Flash-based
Experience the excitement and fun of Signers’ Hall at the National Constitution Center without ever leaving your classroom! Take a virtual walk among the 42 life-sized statues in the Center’s acclaimed Signers’ Hall. Our knowledgeable education staff member will bring the Constitutional Conven¬tion to life for your students as they tour the exhibit and learn about the controversies and compromises that resulted in our nation’s founding document. After experiencing the Convention and Signers’ Hall, students will have an up-close and in-depth look in-depth look at the first public printing of the U.S. Constitution on display at the Center. Students will engage in primary source analysis to decode the document and then take in the Center’s stunning view of Independence Hall to understand that the close of the Convention was just the beginning of the story of We the People.
DESTINATION: WHITE HOUSE
Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Can your students solemnly swear that they will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of their ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States? When the National Constitution Center comes to your school, they won’t have to wait until they turn 35 to run for president; their time is now! During this action-packed show, students learn about the presidency, with a focus on presidential elections and the functions of the executive branch. The program also focuses on past presidents, historic elections, and presidential powers throughout history. Finally, students elect a classmate to be the next president while learning what platforms are and watching some of the most famous campaign ads of all time. So buckle up . . . because the road to the White House can be bumpy!
PASS THE CITIZENSHIP TEST
Grades 3-5, 6-8
Do your students know what it means to be an American citizen? Do they have what it takes? Here is their chance to prove it! On this fun-filled adventure, students learn about the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen, and about our country and its freedoms. The program concludes with the Be a Citizen Game Show, which puts their knowledge to the test to find out if they really have what it takes to be informed and active citizens.
BEING AN ACTIVE CITIZEN
Grades K- 3
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Dr. Seuss
Let your students’ voices be heard in this interactive program about ways they can be active citizens at home, in school, at camp, and throughout their lives. Students will hear stories about children who stood up for freedom and changed our country. This program is all about empowerment and inspiration.
BILL OF RIGHTS SHOW
Grades 3-5, 6-8
Learn about the Bill of Rights and its creation in this fast-paced, interactive show where your students answer questions about these rights, meet Madison, Hamilton and Jefferson, and join in the debate about our basic freedoms and the amendments that protect our rights today.
The Bill of Rights Show features the use of state-of-the-art technology generously donated by Meridia Audience Response.
SEPARATION OF POWERS
Grades 3-5, 6-8
This fun and energizing show teaches your students about the branches of government and how our Constitution limits government by separating power -- a revolutionary idea! Students take part in an educational game of tug-of-war among the three branches of government while they learn about checks and balances.
GROWING UP, AMERICAN STYLE
Grades 3-8
Find out what it was like to grow up in different eras of American history. Students participate in a costume runway show featuring traditional-style dress from historical periods while describing what home, school, and work life was like. Students also learn how often kids bathed, what they did during the day, what rights they had, and more.
FOURTH OF JULY SHOW
Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
The Fourth of July has always been celebrated with a bang! From protests to cannons, flag waving to parades, explosive words to fiery demonstrations, the Fourth of July Show takes an in-depth look at this exciting celebration by exploring it over time from the very first words of independence to the present day. This show also explores how famous Americans have made their voices heard while fighting for freedom.
BREAKING BARRIERS SHOW
Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
The Breaking Barriers Show examines the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, and other extraordinary African Americans throughout history. The show gives visitors insight into the issues they faced and the rights they secured for all Americans. Students are sent on a storytelling adventure as they learn about the experiences of African Americans in the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s. These inspiring stories teach students how one individual’s civic actions can affect a nation.
WOMEN OF POWER SHOW
Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Women of Power takes a look at extraordinary women throughout history. Students learn about the issues women faced while trying to secure equal rights. The show also explores the passing of the 19th Amendment and the new roles of women in society. They also learn about courageous women who defied the norms of society and paved a path for future generations. Students discover America through the stories of the women who persevered to establish equality for ALL citizens.
HISTORY DETECTIVES WORKSHOPS:
ARTIFACTS FROM THE 1800s & 1900s
Grades K-3, 4-8
Explore amazing objects from the past and learn more about what life was like in America during the 1800s and 1900s. Your classroom comes to life as students use objects and documents as primary sources to explore the past and become history detectives. Workshops are customized to meet your students’ needs and
interests and to teach across the curriculum.
DECODING THE DOCUMENT: THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION
Grades 9-12
Students have the chance to take a closer look at the Center’s rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation to learn more about its history, the history of the Civil War, and the background of the 13th , 14th , and 15th Amendments.
Maximum Audience Size: 35 students in a classroom setting
Structuring Your Audience
In order to maximize the educational value of your Traveling History and Civics Show, we strongly recommend school audiences include three or fewer grade levels per show.
The maximum audience size is 250.
Deposit: The National Constitution Center must receive your non-refundable deposit of 25% 30 days from booking the program to hold the reservation. Please make checks payable to: National Constitution Center. Final payment is due one week before program. Purchase orders will be accepted.