Professional Development
Programs Involving Student Participation
National
2008 Constitutional Academy
The Bill of Rights Institute’s is launching its 2008 Constitutional Academy this summer, a program designed for students with the interested, intelligence, and motivation to explore critical questions about our past and future as Americans. Students selected to participate in the academy will explore these questions under the guidance of a faculty of distinguished teachers and college professors.
Thirty outstanding high school juniors and seniors will be selected for each program week in this college-level, residential program. Through readings, discussions, and active learning experiences, you will deepen your understanding of the constitutional principles that were so important to our nation’s Founders, and that continue to be important today.
Statewide
Supreme Court of Ohio Visitor Education Center
Teachers who schedule a trip to the Supreme Court of Ohio have the option of designing their own tours. Teachers can select from the array of interactive exhibits and videos about how courts work. This allows them to select those features that best fit their curriculum objectives. Fourth-grade teachers may want to focus on role-playing in one of the mock courtrooms while upper grades may choose to include times for the film censorship exhibit. All information is available by calling (614) 387-9223 or by e-mailing courttours@sconet.state.oh.usJunior States of America
The Junior Statesmen Summer School offers a challenging, dynamic academic experience for students with a passion for politics and government. Each summer, 1500 outstanding high school students converge on the campuses of Stanford, Yale, Princeton and Georgetown Universities to immerse themselves in politics and debate. For over 65 years, The Junior Statesmen Foundation has prepared outstanding student leaders. View the website above to learn more about deadlines and registration.
National Geographic Bee
The National Geographic Bee is a school competition for students in any grades four through eight. Excite your students about the world around them and reward those who excel in their knowledge of geography by given them a chance to compete in a school geographic bee. See the website for registration deadlines and contest materials.
National History Club
Form a history club chapter at your school this year and join the National History Club (NHC). Created in March 2002, the NHC was formed to help history clubs from around the country communicate and share ideas and activates with each other through its biannual newsletter. There are now chapter in 39 states. More than 5,800 students are involved in clubs with the flexibility to choose activates that their members want to participate in. Some of the activities include: interviewing World War II veterans, visiting Abraham Lincoln's home and neighborhood, and attending a lecture on the Civil Rights Movement. For more information please contact Robert Nasson, executive director at nasson@tcr.org or visit the National History Club Website.
The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education Mock Trial Program
The Ohio Mock Trial Program is an academic competition designed to foster a better understanding of the American democratic legal system and to encourage development of analytical and communication skills. In moving from the classroom to the courtroom, high school students add an important dimension to their learning experience in citizenship education. Through first-hand experience, the Mock Trial Competition can serve to teach students about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution and prepare students for possible future involvement as parties, witnesses and jurors in trials. See the OCLRE website for information about how to get involved.
The Ohio Center for Law Related Education We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Program
e the People...The Citizen and the Constitution is an instructional program on the history and principles of American constitutional democracy for elementary, middle, and high school students. The program is based on curricular materials developed by the The Center for Civic Education and acclaimed by leading educators. Simulated congressional hearings, excellent for performance assessment, are built into the curriculum. At the high school level, classes may choose to enter a competition structured as a simulated hearing where their knowledge of the Constitution is tested. See the OCLRE website for further details.
The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education Project Citizen Showcase
Youth for Justice is a locally designed, planned, and implemented program that is part of a national effort to promote safe and drug-free schools and communities. In Ohio, students in middle grades (grades 4-9) spend several months researching the problems of injustice in their schools and communities, then design solutions and action steps. Teams of students are invited to participate in a Summit in Columbus each spring. At the Summit, students present their research findings, recommendations and implementation progress to their peers, legislators and other state elected officials, community leaders, educators, state agency personnel, law enforcement officials, juvenile justice officials and students from across the state. Student teams are encouraged to make additional presentations in their communities and begin implementation of their solutions.
Model United Nations
Ohio Model United Nations is a three-day global education simulation experience that allows students in grades 6-12 to learn about the complete operations of the United Nations and its role as the world's largest international peacekeeping and humanitarian organization.
Jr. Achievement
Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. The Junior Achievement program is designed to connect local business with their school districts. Business leaders agree to come into the classroom and teach lessons on economics and business. Lessons and materials are provided by the Jr. Achievement organization. To contact a Jr. Achievement representative in your area, and inquire about bring the Jr. Achievement program to your school visit the site above.
The Stock Market Game: Economic Center for Education & Research
The Stock Market Game is a valuable learning experience that fosters student thinking, creativity and practical use of math and economic analysis skills. Students build their teamwork and communication skills. It is lots of fun, and there are great prizes for students! The Stock Market Game is an online educational program designed to teach students about investments and financial markets by using a "real time" stock and mutual fund trading system. Teachers and students begin with a simulated $100,000 portfolio and manage that portfolio over the course of a 10-week competition. The SMG program is used in thousands of classrooms nationwide and is an excellent learning tool for students in Grades 4-12. Visit the site above for more information on how your class can participate.
Ohio Youth in Government
Ohio Youth in Government - the annual
The Economics Challenge
The Economics Challenge is an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to demonstrate their Economic literacy and knowledge by competing in teams of 3-4 students with other teams from across the state in several written exams. The top two teams in each division compete in a final "quiz bowl" exam, with the winners advancing to the Midwest Regional Economics Challenge. Trophies and medallions will be awarded to the top three teams in each division, and all participants will receive a t-shirt and certificate. Additional prizes will be available based on sponsorship of the event. Eligibility requirements, registration forms and additional information are available at the Economics Challenge website. All registrations must be faxed.
Congressional Academy for Students of American History and Civics Education
The Ohio Historical Society is pleased to announce a new program for high school students, the Congressional Academy for Students of American History and Civics Education program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the program is an opportunity for 16 teams of students to participate in a one-week history and civics field school and an on-going school year service learning project funded completely through this grant.
The field school will focus on history and civics content and social studies skills and methods by studying the development of democracy in
Following the field school, teams will be awarded $2500 to complete a local history/civics project over the school year in their community. Support, in the form of professional advice and services will be provided free of charge from the Ohio Historical Society, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and the State Archives of Ohio. The resulting student product will be a permanent community resource that can be shared with others.
For more information about the program please contact Becki Trivison at the Ohio Historical Society by phone (613-297-2527) or e-mail (rtrivison@ohiohistory.org)
The Ohio SAGE Competition
SAGE is an international business plan competition that allows high school students to apply their learning outside the classroom. The SAGE mission is to encourage youth entrepreneurship and community service around the world, emphasizing: Global Perspective, Ethical Business Practices, Civic & Social Responsibility, and Environmental Awareness. Students compete for prizes, money, and may have the opportunity to travel to regional, national, and international conferences. To learn more about the Ohio SAGE Competition visit the linked web site.
