The Rendell Center has developed monthly themes designed to build basic civic knowledge, promote civic engagement, and provide practice in democratic deliberation. Each month offers an experiential learning opportunity for K-12 students to examine and discuss a new civics topic, with questions and activities designed to help them better understand the concept.
Resources on Miranda, Flag Day, and the Constitution
This month, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Miranda v. Arizona on June 13, 1966, establishing the well-known Miranda rights for the accused. Learn about Flag Day, which is celebrated on June 14. And on June 21, the Constitution was ratified. Watch a video about the women who participated in the ratification debate. Read More ⟶
Our Flag
“Traditionally a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the message of freedom to many parts of the world. Sometimes the same flag that was flying at a crucial moment in our history has been flown again in another place to symbolize continuity in our struggles for the cause of liberty.”
Our Flag, a Congressional publication, briefly describes the history of the flag, and sets forth the practices and observances appropriate to its display (Senate Document 109-18). 2007.
Flag Burning: Texas v. Johnson (1989)
This lesson explores Texas v. Johnson, the controversial 1989 Supreme Court decision on flag burning. First, students read about and discuss Texas v. Johnson. Then in small groups, students role play aides to a U.S. senator on the Judiciary Committee. The committee is considering a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning flag burning, and the aides must make a recommendation on whether the senator should support or oppose the proposed amendment.
The History of Flag Day
This lesson highlights one of the Center’s biggest civic holidays —the birthday of the American flag. Using “The History of the U.S. Flag,” a video hosted by Terry Ruggles and produced by Drexel University and the Philadelphia Flag Day Association, this lesson encourages students to take a closer look at the American flag and its meaning.