Building a Self-Governing People: Civics & US History for Middle School, The Bill of Rights Institute's newest resource for grades 6-8, is coming soon! Our unique approach blends civics and history through a deconstructed DBQ model and a scaffolded DBQ assessment at the end of each unit.
The resource includes embedded teacher supports like context briefs, adjustment ideas, and AI prompt suggestions, primary source and other texts at varied reading levels, interactive games, diverse perspectives from multiple voices in American history, and an original video series.
The first three units of this resource will be available by the end of this month. Sign up today for immediate access and special recommendations as you plan for the new year.
This quick video highlights the arguments made by the American colonists for Independence culminating in the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
Share the story of the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence for elementary students through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson and the Founders.
Explore the incomplete promise of the Declaration of Independence through Frederick Douglass's Fourth of July Speech condemning the institution of slavery.
The Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics are also celebrating America’s milestone birthday with the Civic Star Challenge! Participate by:
Utilizing adaptable lesson plans and activities to teach the themes of the Declaration.
Submitting a simple form to showcase your class participation.
Winning exciting prizes throughout the school year!
Sign up nowto be the first to hear when the Civic Star Challenge launches in August 2025!
Get Ready for Constitution Day with BRI!
Celebrate Constitution Day with BRI on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Constitution Day Live! features three sets of videos that will air in the weeks before Constitution Day followed by four additional videos that premiere for educators and students on Sept. 17.
This years lineup will include:
Civics on the Street with our BRI Student Fellows
Founders and the Constitution Through Time
How Amendments are made to the Constitution
Scholar and expert interviews
Day in a Life with a Civic Leader
and much more!
Each video will include published in-class materials to promote the study of the Constitution and Constitutional issues on Constitution Day. Don't miss out on our additional Constitution Day resources and join our list today for notifications and more!
Winners Announced Live!
Join us as we celebrate the 2024-2025 winners of MyImpact Challenge! The Third Prize, Second Prize, First Prize, and Grand Prize winners will be announced live on Monday, July 7.
