We had a fabulous day at the National Constitution Center located adjacent to the Liberty Bell and Independence Park. This is a wonderful private facility located on public land which commemorates the creation of the Constitution, but also examines the ways in which this is a fluid, changing document.
The bulk of our morning was spent listening to Professor Carol Berkin lecture about the truly astounding process from which the United States Constitution evolved. This was the second time that I’ve heard her speak, and she is just a joy to listen to. She brings life and vitality to this subject like only the very best teachers can. Honestly, this woman could lecture about paint drying on a wall and I think I would find it enjoyable! Some of the ideas that really stuck with me is that we cannot present the creators of the declaration as superheros. These were wealthy, but ordinarily intelligent men. They were born into the ruling class, but still had the good sense to fear how men react to power. They were introspective enough to fear corruption even in themselves. Furthermore in 1787 when they met to revise the Articles of Confederation they knew that something had to happen because they feared that The United States was about to fail as a country.
Of course we toured this wonderful, wonderful facility. It is loadedwith sites and sounds that emphasis the greatness of our government. The tour begins with a live narrated multimedia presentation in a theater in the round. I was astounded as I was walking out of the theater and asked a small group of teachers if they had goosebumps, and they just gave me a “nah.” I couldn’t believe that it hadn’t effected them the way it had me or the small group of people I was sitting with, because we were all floored by this presentation.
What followed was a lovely walk through Society Hill to South Street for a Jim’s steak. YUM, YUM! Then we had a lot more walking as we explored this lovely city.
Classroom Application: This one is just too easy!! Today was a 4th grade teacher’s dream come true! I begin the year with an introductory civics unit and end the year with a more advanced review. I am really thinking about how I can use the Constitution Center’s civics model and incorporate it with history throughout the whole year. I think this approach could be really useful and enjoyable for the kids. Ideas are stewing….
Throughout the day we were presented with wonderful classroom materials and ideas by the engaging staff at The Constitution Center. We were also introduced to many online resources from the center and other locations.
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2 Comments
June 6, 2008 at 2:15 am
Which was better, Jim’s or Abner’s?
June 6, 2008 at 10:33 am
We end up wishing for politicians who feel the same responsibility and attitude toward power.