The Age of Exploration

This unit from the Core Knowledge Foundation introduces students to European exploration and trade from 1400 to the 1600s. Across 12 lessons, students learn about motivations for European exploration and study specific explorers, learning about their encounters with indigenous peoples. Students are introduced to the early slave trade and the beginnings of slavery in the Americas.

For more resources from the Core Knowledge Foundation, go here.

Religion and States: Why the Constitution is Silent on God

This short video from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation explains why the Constitution is silent on religion. The Founders believed that religion was a matter best left to the states. As Professor Jeffry Morrison notes, the Founders were not unconcerned about religion, but a belief in federalism led them to allow individual states to make decisions about religious matters.

For more resources from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, go here.

Immigration Nation

Do you know how people become citizens of the United States? In theImmigration Nation game from iCivics, you’ll find out as you guide newcomers along their path to citizenship. Students learn the range of allowable circumstances for legal residence and the requirements for naturalization and full citizenship.

For more resources from iCivics, go here.

  • Center for Civic Education: Sign up for its new twice-weekly Civics SmartBrief.
  • Civics 101 Podcast: School and library visits offered for both podcast instruction and civic conversation, in person or virtual. Learn more.
  • C-SPAN Classroom: 2022 StudentCam Competition is open. Learn more.
  • C-SPAN Classroom: Its new biweekly podcast launches on Nov. 7. Learn more.
  • Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate: Reservations accepted for in-person or virtual field trips in the fall. Learn more.
  • James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation: 2022 applications for $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships are available. Learn more.
  • National Constitution Center: 2021-22 class schedule is available. Learn more.
  • National Constitution Center: Free, online teacher workshops available. Learn more.
  • Street Law: Applications open for 2022 Supreme Court Summer Institute. Learn more.
  • U.S. Courts: The 7th and 8th Circuits are holding a Bill of Rights Day Student Contest for students grades 3-12. Learn more.