National Constitution Center Annenberg Classroom

Leo Migdal

-Dec 10, 2025, 6:46 AM

national constitution center annenberg classroom

The National Constitution Center site provides classroom resources related to the Constitution as well as civic participation and responsibility, and the executive branch. Online resources include interactive games, videos, webcasts, primary and secondary sources, Constitution Fast Facts, biographies of Constitutional Convention delegates, and the Interactive Constitution guide. Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech with a mobile that inspires you to think about your own dreams. This activity is part of Module 10: The First Amendment from the Constitution 101 Curriculum This handwritten congressional copy of the amendment that banned slavery is signed by President Lincoln and others.

The 2017 calendar explores turning points in American history with fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 14th Amendment, the Center's 2018 calendar explores its history and legacy. Annenberg Classroom’s short documentary “The First Amendment: New York Times v. Sullivan” has won a Silver Award in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards. A new Annenberg Classroom film explores the history of constitutional protection against “cruel and unusual punishment” Annenberg Classroom has released a new educational film on the landmark First Amendment freedom of the press case New York Times v.

Sullivan. Annenberg Classroom has released a new film exploring the history of Juneteenth and illustrating how and why freedom and citizenship were intertwined. In advance of Constitution Day, September 17, Annenberg Classroom has released a new film on the First Amendment's freedom of speech when it comes to students in schools. Free classroom resources for teaching the Constitution. Annenberg Classroom's free resources include over 65 videos on constitutional concepts and Supreme Court cases as well as games, lesson plans, timelines, downloadable books, a glossary, and a Constitution guide. For teachers, lesson plans on Supreme Court cases, constitutional concepts, and critical thinking skills; a guide that connects resources to the Constitution's articles and amendments; and recommendations for civics resources.

For students, the Annenberg Constitution Guide: What It Says, What It Means; games; Constitution-related timelines; downloadable books; and a glossary of terms. What is the story of Juneteenth? Why do we celebrate this newly designated federal holiday, and how is it connected to one of the most cherished American ideals: freedom? This film explores the history of Juneteenth and illustrates how and why freedom and citizenship were intertwined, as well as how the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution changed and expanded the... This interactive guide to the U.S. Constitution provides the original text and an explanation of the meaning of each article and amendment.

The guide is an excellent research tool for students to use to gain a deeper understanding of one of our nation’s founding documents and the establishment of the federal government. These engaging documentaries on key cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court contain historical footage, expert commentary from Supreme Court justices, legal scholars, and plaintiffs and attorneys who were involved in the cases. Use this guide to find videos and games that connect to the articles and amendments in the Constitution. Also available as a PDF to download and print. These lessons are designed to accompany videos produced by Annenberg Classroom and foster critical thinking skills through primary source analysis.

Additional resources on teaching critical thinking skills can be found here. Information about three types of recommended websites are provided here. Sister websites are those connected to Annenberg Classroom. Best Civics Websites are organizations that have excellent content for civics education. Most of the resources are free. How do we balance power between the states and the federal government?

This question has shaped American democracy since the Constitutional Convention, when delegates faced the challenge of creating a stronger federal system while preserving state authority. This film explores the Constitution’s Commerce Clause found in Article 1, Section 8, which grants Congress the power “to regulate commerce…among the several states” and examines its historical context and ongoing impact. The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution protects against “cruel and unusual punishment” for those convicted of crimes. But what makes a punishment cruel or unusual? Who decides, and how? This film explores the concept of “evolving standards of decency,” specifically as it applies to the death penalty for juvenile offenders.

This film examines freedom of the press, an essential First Amendment right, through the key Supreme Court Case New York Times v. Sullivan. It traces the relationship of the press to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s, and the ways in which proponents of segregation tried to use libel claims via the courts to prevent coverage... What is the story of Juneteenth? Why do we celebrate this newly designated federal holiday, and how is it connected to one of the most cherished American ideals: freedom? This film explores the history of Juneteenth and illustrates how the Reconstruction Amendments to the Constitution expanded the definition of citizenship and rights for all Americans.

The First Amendment’s right to free speech is one of our most important rights as citizens. But what does freedom of speech mean for students in public schools? How do you balance a school’s need for order with a student’s right to free expression? This film explores the evolution of student free speech rights through Supreme Court cases, from Tinker v. Des Moines to Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., the case of the Snapchatting cheerleader.

Opening to the public on Friday, February 13, 2026, for a special Presidents Day opening weekend, America’s Founding takes visitors on a journey from the colonies’ growing tensions with Great Britain through the drafting,... Image credits: Background image by Rob Wood, Wood Ronsaville Harlin, Inc.; foreground image by Greg Harlin, Wood Ronsaville Harlin, Inc. Join us for live virtual classes and other interactive online events for learners. Browse the latest educational videos on a range of topics and recoded sessions from our live classes. Read over 150 primary source documents that inspired the Founders and defined modern thought about rights and liberties. Our instructional materials use the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution to provide students with nonpartisan analysis from top constitutional scholars.

Join other educators for a variety of programs that enhance your teaching of the Constitution. Find out about upcoming programs, exhibits, and educational initiatives. Part lecture and part lively conversation, these online classes allow students, teachers, and parents can join in discussions with scholars on core Constitutional topics.

National Constitution Center Annenberg Classroom

People Also Search

The National Constitution Center Site Provides Classroom Resources Related To

The 2017 Calendar Explores Turning Points In American History With

Sullivan. Annenberg Classroom Has Released A New Film Exploring The

For Students, The Annenberg Constitution Guide: What It Says, What

The Guide Is An Excellent Research Tool For Students To