Middle School Curriculum

The scaffolding of our program is thoughtfully organized to ensure that each component builds upon previous experiences. Students are asked to consider an overarching Question of the Week (What can young people do to take part in American democracy?) as well as a guiding Question of the Day (What actions can citizens take to participate in a democracy? What actions can citizens take to influence the government?)

At each memorial and museum, students are tasked with investigating the site to find quotes, images, and symbols that connect to central questions. For example, at the FDR and MLK Memorials, students examine quotations and symbols to consider how people can influence the government and create change.

Students take part in small-group discussions and thrilling large-group simulations about current controversies and historical tensions in U.S. government. For example, students take on the roles of representatives, committee chairpersons, and policy experts in our Mock Congress, during which they examine and vote on middle-school-appropriate versions of legislation moving through the House of Representatives and Senate.