Student+Activities

= Student Activities = = “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” Showcase December 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm =  at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Thursday, December  9th, 2010. It is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8:00 am and  conclude by 3:00 pm. Teachers who currently teach the “We the People”  curriculum at any level and/or who are interested in learning more  about the program are invited to attend. Participants will have the  option to select one of two main tracks:

 1. Simulated Congressional Hearing Track

 A. Teachers will bring their classes that are studying from  the textbooks provided by the Center and will take part in the “We the  People” simulated hearing. Invited classes will gain valuable  experience for the statewide competition. This track will provide  both practice and a learning experience for the students that will  increase their understanding of our nation’s Constitution and the  history of its development.  B. Teachers can bring their classes for a “noncompetitive” <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> experience of participating in a simulated congressional hearing. <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> This will allow the teacher and their students to showcase their <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> knowledge of the Constitution even though they may not be interested <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> in competing in the state competitive hearing. <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> C. In addition to the simulated hearing, all of the classes <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> will be provided lunch, hear a speaker on the Constitution, and have <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> the opportunity to take part in activities, such as a tour of the <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s beautiful campus. Each <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> teacher of classes that participate will receive a packet of <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> materials, including useful reference books and an introductory packet <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> from the Pennsylvania Council on the Social Studies.

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> 2. Teacher Professional Development Track

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> A. Teachers who are interested in learning more about the “We <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> the People” program and want to receive in-service training can select <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> this track. They will be able to experience the simulated <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> congressional hearing, which they can then use in their classes in <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> either a noncompetitive or a competitive approach. <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> B. Teachers will be involved in the training session for <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> judges, will observe actual simulated hearing sessions, and will take <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> part in a follow-up session in which materials and information will be <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> provided. <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> C. The teachers who sign up and attend this professional <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> development will be provided lunch and the following:

guide) at their selected level of interest (Upper Elementary, Middle
 * a complete set of We the People textbooks (including a teacher’s

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> School, or High School)

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> *an “Introductory Packet” from the Pennsylvania Council for the Social <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> Studies which includes a one year membership to the PCSS


 * 6 Act 48 hours for this one-day professional development session

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> *free research material that will provide for an even more detailed <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> study of the Constitution and Constitutional history

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> *the teachers that attend will be also be included in all future <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> mailings and opportunities provided through the Center for Civic <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> Education

<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> If you are interested in attending this event or would like <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> additional information, please contact William Simmons at <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> drwsimmons@yahoo.com or call 814-445-8215 or contact Dave Morris at <span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> djmorris57@hotmail.com or call 724-349-9049.