Enter Class Activities to Civic Star Challenge!

The Declaration of Independence is our first Founding document and a lasting civic initiative that sparked a course of events towards a new nation. Now, 250 years later, it's your turn to ignite that civic spark in your students with the Civic Star Challenge.

The Civic Star Challenge is a groundbreaking collaboration from iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute that boosts civic impact in your classroom by engaging your students with the enduring lessons of the Declaration of Independence throughout history. You can find inspiration for classroom activities anywhere, from the American Revolution to Reconstruction to Voting and Elections.

Get started with the Civic Star Challenge today by following the steps below to bring civic engagement to your classroom.

Engage your students with our recommended activities or suggested resources that explore themes from the Declaration of Independence.

Submit a short form to share your students' participation and earn a chance to win $300 and fun swag!

Log Your Activities Here!

Continue to engage your students with themes from the Declaration of Independence throughout the school year. You'll have four opportunities to win, and each submission increases your chances of receiving prizes.

The first drawing for prizes will open on Friday, Oct. 31!

Looking for ideas on how to enter the contest now? Choose from various lessons, essays, activities, and videos from the above curricula resources to link lasting themes from the Declaration of Independence throughout American history and government.

☆ ☆ ☆ Theme: Equality ☆ ☆ ☆

The Declaration of Independence established many of our nation’s most fundamental democratic values—and equality is at the top of the list. In 1776, the idea of equality focused on self-governance and freedom from British rule.

Over time, the meaning of “all men are created equal” has broadened, becoming a driving force behind efforts to expand equality. The ideal that “all men are created equal” continues to drive social movements and political and legal challenges in our nation today.

Grades 6-8

Social Studies

Grades 9-12

U.S. History

Grades 9-12

Government

Our Experiences of African Americans During Reconstruction lesson encourages students to analyze and define the experiences of African Americans during Reconstruction and consider how Reconstruction impacted the lives of formerly enslaved people and their families?

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The Carrie Chapman Catt, Open Address to the U.S. Congress, primary source activity displays the civic responsibility of the Suffragists to petition for Nineteenth Amendment. Students will learn the attitudes surrounding women's suffrage in the early 20th century.

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The Fourteenth Amendment: Substantive Due Process and Incorporation essay reviews the history of the Fourteenth Amendment from its inception to the present day. Students will analyze how due process and incorporation, tenants of the amendment, have been used to set precedent in modern society.

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Unlock even greater opportunities: Join the Essay Challenge

Win a $10,000 grant for your school, an all-expenses-paid national civic education trip, or a share of over $100,000 in other prizes by joining the Essay Challenge! Submit your essay answering the question: "Why is civic learning important in my classroom, and how does it empower my students?"

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