Plan for Constitution Day with state and national resources

The annual observance of the United States Constitution Day returns on Sept. 17, bringing opportunities for enriched classroom discussions and study of the U.S. Constitution and American citizenship.

Constitution Day recognizes the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and encourages individuals to reflect on their rights and responsibilities as American citizens. The day was established through Congressional legislation that requires all public schools to teach students about the U.S. Constitution and citizenship during the week of Sept. 17.

Alongside this year's America 250 celebration, Constitution Day brings another opportunity to reflect on what America and the American founding means to students. Several initiatives and resources connected to America 250, including the Iowa America 250 Student Contest, Iowa Veterans Research Project and America 250 Webinar Series, are available to help engage students in robust classroom discussions.

Additional state and national resources are listed below to assist educators with planning for Constitution Day.

• Iowa Constitution
• Iowa State Bar Association
• National Archives
• National Endowment for the Humanities
• National Council for the Social Studies
• Library of Congress
• Bill of Rights Institute
• National Constitution Center
• Constitute Project
• National Civics Bee

Questions regarding Constitution Day ideas and lesson plans can be directed to Stefanie Rosenberg Wager, administrative consultant at the Iowa Department of Education, at [email protected].

Further details on Iowa's America 250 initiatives can be found on the Department's website.