EDUCATION RESOURCES

Utah’s next generation will lead efforts to reimagine and define "a more perfect union." An understanding of the guiding values of the Declaration of Independence and insights into American and Utah history will help our students shape the next 250 years of our democracy. In addition to reaching 500 K-12 civics teachers with professional training, America250 Utah is providing teachers and guardians with resources to support student learning.

For Educators, Parents, and Students

Explore curated resources for K-12 educators, parents, and students. The resources provided in each of these themes focus on intentional and purposeful content, specific curriculum strands and standards, primary sources, and opportunities for students to engage outside of the classroom.

Created in collaboration with the Center for Constitutional Studies at UVU, BYU ARTS Partnership, Utah Historical Society, and Utah State Historic Preservation Office.

Our American Experiment

Lessons and activities on the Declaration of Independence and our nation's founding ideals.

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Power of Place

Focusing on the distinctive histories of Utah’s people and places in 1776 and beyond.

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We the People

Focusing on the importance of individual stories and the roles of groups that shaped the Revolutionary era.

Explore

Lesson plans are also available through emedia at Utah Education Network (UEN).

Resources for Students, Parents, and Guardians

Civic engagement begins at home and empowers students to practice democracy with tools to voice their opinions and influence their communities. By equipping the next generation to listen, lead, and become informed, we will develop engaged citizens. Below are 25 ideas (plus a few more for good measure) to get children involved at home, in the community, and through student leadership opportunities.

1. Connect with our nation’s story by picking up a “tiny activity book” at your local library. Geared toward young readers, activities include facts about the U.S. flag, making a difference in your community, and spotting fun Utah foods for America’s Potluck.

2. Plan movie nights with themes that make you feel proud, hopeful, and optimistic to be an American.

3. Create a family road-trip playlist with songs that were recorded in different decades.

4. Ask a grandparent or family member how they celebrated the bicentennial in 1976.

5. Plant a garden or bake something that is red, white, and blue. Share it with #America250Utah

6. Learn about the significance of and colors in our Utah and American flags and display them in your front window.

7. Explore ways to serve your community and find a meaningful project for your family.

8. Find your civics superpower. Do your family members share similar powers?

9. Test your civics knowledge by taking the U.S. Citizenship quiz.

10. Take a digital stroll through the National Mall to explore why our civic spaces are essential for our democracy.

1. Explore family-friendly trails throughout the state as part of the Walk250 challenge.

2. Host a potluck with your neighbors on July 5, 2026 as part of America’s Potluck.

3. Participate in a meaningful volunteer project with your family and friends.

4. See “The Pen is Mightier” a special semiquincentennial state exhibit at a location near you or at the Utah State Capitol (coming January 2026.)

5. Attend a Scan and Share event in your community to capture your unique family contributions.

National Civics Bee: Coming to Utah this year, this annual competition inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

America’s Field Trip: A contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing what America means to them. Contest closes March 30, 2026.

National History Day: A year-round history education program serving 4th-12th grade students nationwide where students learn history by doing history and compete for a trip to Washington D.C.

Founding Forward: Unique, immersive educational opportunities for students in elementary, middle, and high school that bring history to life.

United States Senate Youth Program: Two student leaders from Utah will spend a week in March 2026 in Washington experiencing their national government in action.

Poetry Out Loud: A national competition that helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

MyImpact Challenge: This is a civic engagement contest for students ages 13-19, hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. Students plan and complete a service project during the school year, then write an essay, a report, and submit visuals on their project. Submissions are due May 3rd, 2026.

MY AMERICA: An art and civic engagement campaign across all 50 states to reflect on what unity, democracy, and being American means by creating a large mosaic of an American flag made up of thousands of individual tiles with messages, drawings, poems.

Community planning with a group of people

Pick up a copy of the USA Turns 250 activity booklet at your local library

Looking to celebrate the 250th with young kids? America250 Utah and the Utah State Library have an activity booklet with coloring pages, word searches, and creative prompts like, “What might America look like in another 250 years?”

Perfect for little learners. Pick one up at your local library or download it here.

Discover why the Declaration of Independence still matters today

Watch this five-part master class series exploring ideas behind the Declaration of Independence, including natural rights, equality, consent of the governed, civic responsibility, and the pursuit of happiness, and why those principles continue to shape American life today.

Watch

Teacher With Group Of Mature Adult Students In Class Sit Around Table And Work In College Library

500 for Our future: Teacher Professional Development

America250 Utah is partnering with Utah-Law Related Education and Utah Valley University's Center for Constitutional Studies to reach 500 K–12 teachers with professional training and resources for civics education. Utah Valley University's Center for Consitutional Studies provides professional development training related to the Declaration of Independence and the American political tradition, including training on the "We The People" program. The curriculum has a 50-year track record of success and covers the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States. Numerous reports indicate that alumni are better informed and have higher rates of civic knowledge and attitudes. Professional development opportunities for Utah teachers are held throughout the year.

Email Alexander Adriano at [email protected] to learn more about the We The People program. Email Pam Su'a at [email protected] for more information about professional development opportunities.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

For Educators, Parents, and Students

Resources for Students, Parents, and Guardians

Pick up a copy of the USA Turns 250 activity booklet at your local library

Discover why the Declaration of Independence still matters today

500 for Our future: Teacher Professional Development

America250 Utah™

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