Celebrate Constitution Day on September 17

The Founding Fathers signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. In preparation for Constitution Day, which is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the signing, the Wyoming Department of Education reminds educators that instruction in the Wyoming and U.S. constitutions is required under federal and state law. Several suggested resources and activities are listed below to help your students grow their love of country by gaining a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

Wyoming Civic Resources 

  • Immerse your students in Wyoming’s founding document in the very room where it was drafted and signed 136 years ago! Schedule a visit to the Capitol to see a new interactive kiosk located in the Historic Supreme Court, where visitors can explore the Wyoming Constitution and featured amendments, compare Wyoming’s constitution to those of other states and the United States Constitution, and even flip through a digital version of the 1889 handwritten document page by page. 
  • View lessons found on the WDE Civics Ed Center, including engaging new military history curriculum developed with the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois.
  • Access the Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program’s K-12 Curriculum Virtual Library, which offers 85+ content modules that align with various Wyoming Content and Performance Standards in Social Studies and English Language Arts. 
  • Visit the Wyoming Judicial Learning Center or utilize their online resources to learn about the state’s judicial branch and discover the important role it plays in the life of Wyoming’s citizens.

Constitution Day Activities

Elementary Students:

  • School-Wide Morning Announcement: Have students lead the morning announcements by reading a brief history of Constitution Day and a key part of the document.
  • Patriotic Story Time: Read age-appropriate books about the Constitution, the Founding Fathers, or American symbols.
  • Preamble Puzzles: Print out the Preamble to the Constitution and cut it into strips. Have students work in groups to put it in the correct order.
  • Constitutional Scavenger Hunt: Provide students with a simplified version of the Constitution and a list of questions to answer, such as “What are the three branches of government?” or “What is an amendment?”
  • Create a Timeline: Have students work on a timeline of the events leading up to the Constitutional Convention, the signing of the Constitution, and important amendments.

Secondary Students:

  • Debate Club Simulation: Organize a formal debate on a relevant constitutional issue, such as free speech on social media, gun rights, or the role of the Electoral College. Have students research and argue both sides of the issue.
  • Constitutional “Escape Room”: Create a series of puzzles and challenges related to the Constitution’s history, articles, and amendments. Students must work in teams to solve the clues and “escape” the room.
  • “What If” History Project: Divide students into groups and give them a hypothetical scenario, such as “What if the Bill of Rights was never ratified?” or “What if the 19th Amendment was never passed?” Have them research and present on how American society would be different today.
  • Discussions with Local Government Officials: Invite state, county, and local government officials to discuss how the different levels of government function and work together to deliver local services.

Civics Competitions

  • We the People complements school curriculum by providing innovative instruction on the history and principles of U.S. constitutional democracy. The state high school competition takes place in December at the Wyoming Capitol. The group also conducts professional learning events throughout the year for educators.
  • National Constitution Bee competitors test their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution over the course of several rounds. The winners will receive scholarships. The next event is scheduled for October 2026 in Tennessee and is limited to 50 competitors.
  • National Civics Bee participants gain a deeper understanding of American institutions and civic principles, fostering a new generation of informed and responsible citizens. Applications open on September 8, and regional competitions will take place in spring 2026.

State and Federal Requirements

Wyoming Statute 21-9-102 requires instruction in the state and federal constitutions and that students satisfactorily pass an examination on the principles of both constitutions to receive a high school diploma. Instruction shall be given in the “essentials” of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, including the study of and devotion to American institutions and ideals….” The instruction shall be given for at least three years in K-8 and one year each in high school and college.

Wyoming’s Social Studies Content and Performance Standards also require study of the U.S. and state constitutions. Each year, school districts must attest to the WDE that constitutional instruction has occurred as one of the accreditation assurances.

P.L.108-447 states, “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.” According to U.S. Department of Education guidance, if the day falls on a weekend or holiday, it should be observed the previous or following week.

For more information, contact Rob Black, Social Studies Consultant, at 307-777-3747 or rob.black1@wyo.gov. 

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