Author: icivics education

Sometimes it only takes 30 minutes to set the stage for an entire school year.

When I introduced the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to my 8th graders, they were overwhelmed. Some of them even looked like they wanted to give up before we really began. Honestly, I could understand why. Navigating proclamations written by colonial bureaucrats nearly 250 years ago would be intimidating for almost anyone. 

But these documents contain ideas and ideals that served as the foundation of our nation, so I wanted students to engage with them directly instead of just hearing about them from me. As part of the Civic Star Challenge, I created a scavenger hunt to help students explore the documents on their own.

After a brief primer on the primary sources, I gave the students a map, of sorts: a series of prompts that guided their search. Then they started digging. The first part of the hunt was a scramble, in which they had to organize the parts of the Constitution in order of appearance. Then they had to examine the documents for the answers to 20 questions, including:

• Which branch’s powers are defined in Article II?
• What are the qualifications for being president?
• What does the judicial power extend to?
• What is the 10th Amendment?
• What are the five freedoms guaranteed by the 1st Amendment?

Many of the students’ discoveries led to questions of their own. For example, they wanted to understand the differences between the 9th and 10th Amendments. And they were shocked to discover that the 1st is about more than free speech. As we talked about freedom of expression, they wanted to know how that right extended to a school setting. That, of course, brought us to Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. Many of these students are getting their first phones, while also being required to check them at the classroom door. So they had a lot of questions about the places where freedoms, laws, and social norms collide. I could see the connections they were making, like little light bulbs popping up over all of their heads!

When we embarked on this brief activity, it quickly became clear how little the students knew about how the government works. But focusing deeply on the sources, they were able to both learn and retain the information they encountered. And I’ve seen them apply it in almost every conversation that’s followed. They get so excited when they remember things! Of course, I do too! 

In honor of the 250th, I challenged myself to incorporate the Declaration into every unit I’m teaching. From the western expansion to the Industrial Revolution to the Civil War, we’re looking at the text to understand the historical moments that tested the ideals set forth within it. We’re also looking at the movements it helped inspire. One especially meaningful moment came during our study of the Seneca Falls Convention. Students noticed how carefully the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments echoed Jefferson’s language when they wrote that “all men and women are created equal.”

They immediately understood why those words mattered.

I’ve been teaching for more than 20 years, but this year is my first teaching 7th grade civics. So over the summer, I went on a hunt for resources that would engage those students. I love using immersive activities like mock trials, escape rooms, and simulations to help them connect theory with experience. When I discovered the game Race to Ratify, I knew I’d found something good. We played it recently, as part of the Civic Star Challenge.

The game takes place in 1787-1789, right after the Constitution is written, during the debate over whether the states should ratify it. Players travel across the 13 states, interviewing different people to gather arguments to create pamphlets that support either the Federalists or Anti-Federalists. They might encounter a farmer who’s worried about taxation and federal power, or an enslaved person who raises questions about whose rights the Constitution protects. As they gather these myriad perspectives, the game really drives home how difficult it was to rally support. 

After each conversation, the player gets an “argument token” they can use for their pamphlet. Then they must carefully evaluate which arguments will allow them to build their case and lead to a favorable vote. On more than one occasion, a student admitted “Mr. Knox, I’m starting to run out of evidence to support my side!” That led to some good conversations around strategy: Have you talked to the right people? How might you best use the evidence you have left to make your argument?

I was surprised to see several students enthusiastically lobbying against the Constitution—but maybe I shouldn’t have been! Seventh grade is often when students begin testing ideas more independently. They are asking: What do I think? What do I believe? What would I change if I could? These questions lead naturally to: How can things be different? As they tried out a counter-factual narrative of history, I knew they were starting to see how their own actions will impact the next chapter of our nation’s story. 

I find that so exciting. So much of what we focus on in the study of history is the timeline of events: here’s what happened, here’s what happened, here’s what happened. Race to Ratify reminds us that each of those things happened because a person or a group made a choice. Each decision we make has a domino effect, which is why it’s so important for us to carefully consider the impact of our choices.

Civics lessons are often about laws passed on the state and federal levels, and elections my students won’t vote in for years. Here in middle school, we don’t have laws, per se, but we do have policies that students can shape right now. In my class, we’re learning how to build a strategy. Students chart the steps: here’s the change I’d like to make; here’s the information I need to learn and evidence I need to gather; here are the change agents I need to engage; and here’s how I would convince them to join my initiative. These become the building blocks for 12 and 13-year-olds to truly engage in civics.

Dear Educators,

They say it’s cheesy to start a letter with a pun, but honestly? I think you all are just grate. 🧀

As we kick off Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026), we want to take a moment to pause and recognize the heart of our iCivics community: you!

As Director of Educator Engagement here at iCivics, it’s a true privilege to work alongside such dedicated, thoughtful educators. The resilience, initiative, and care you show for your peers and students shape everything we create. Whether you are new to the profession or have spent years in the classroom, your commitment shows up in ways both big and small.

Beyond fostering curiosity and independent thought, you are helping build a healthier, more engaged democracy, one student at a time. That impact is not lost on us. Your work fuels our sense of purpose and keeps us grounded in what matters most. We know the communities, families, and young people you serve feel that same impact every day.

We also recognize that your time and energy are constantly in demand. While we can’t solve every challenge, we remain committed to supporting you in meaningful ways. Even as summer approaches and classrooms wind down, our work at iCivics is ramping up. We’re preparing for what we hope will be a strong, supportive start to the next school year.

We’ve heard your insights and feedback, and in that spirit, we’re excited to share a preview of what’s ahead:

A more intuitive iCivics experience
We’re working on a new way to find what you need in our vast library of resources, making it easier to send and track student assignments.

New ways to engage students
We’re partnering with a well-loved gaming company to bring you something exciting.

Expanding content
This fall, be on the lookout for some brand-new resources to help you teach the rule of law.

Thank you for being part of the iCivics community. Your ideas, your feedback, and your daily efforts shape not only your classrooms but the future we’re all working toward together.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! The iCivics staff, board, and donors are deeply grateful for all that you do each and every day.

Warmly,

Natacha Scott, Director of Educator Engagement