Elementary School Distance Learning Programs
Visit the National Archives without leaving your classroom! Our free, interactive programs feature primary sources from our holdings. Each program aligns with National Social Studies Standards and Common Core State Standards. We also provide teacher guides with pre- and post-program lessons.
Scheduling Details
- Available Tuesdays-Thursdays
- Must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance
- For groups of 10 or more students
- Multiple sites can connect at the same time
We can deliver up to three programs per school per day. For schools with over three classes, we recommend connecting two to three classes at the same time or scheduling programs over multiple days.
Technology Requirements
You can connect your class via traditional videoconferencing equipment or online via a computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers. These programs can also accommodate students connecting from home.
Email distancelearning@nara.gov with questions or to request your program today!
General Education
The Founding Documents: Building a More Perfect Union
Students will explore the history and purpose of each of the founding documents – the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students will discover a model they can use to distinguish the three documents.
- For grades 3–5
- 45 minutes
Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote
Using the founding documents of the United States and historical records of the National Archives, students will determine how and why women fought for the right to vote. Students will explore the challenges suffragists faced and discover why the fight for women’s voting rights persisted even after the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
- For grades 3–5
- 45 minutes
The Declaration of Independence
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Students will learn about America's national holiday and birthday - Independence Day! Students will explore artwork and primary sources about the American Revolution and the Founders and investigate copies of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives.
- For grades K-2
- 30 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Detail of the Barry Faulkner Mural showing the presentation of the Declaration of Independence, 10/27/1936
Students will learn about the Declaration of Independence, its important sections, and some of the American ideals it contains. Students will explore primary sources about the American Revolution and the Founders and investigate copies of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives
- For grades 3–5
- 30 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
The United States Constitution
The Constitution Rules!
Students will explore the idea of different responsibilities in their community and analyze images that highlight the jobs of the three branches of government as outlined in the Constitution.
- For grades K-2
- 30 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
The Constitution and Our Community
The first exhibit of the entire U.S. Constitution in the National Archives Rotunda on Constitution Day, September 17, 1970
In this program, students will explore the idea of community, hone their primary source analysis skills by examining government records, and connect the Constitution to their own lives.
- For grades 3-5
- 45 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
The Bill of Rights
Make Your Voice Count: Learning About the First Amendment
In this program, students will explore the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights using primary historical sources to learn about the importance of rights and how to exercise their freedoms.
- For grades K-2
- 30 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
The First Amendment: Five Rights in One!
Students will explore the First Amendment freedoms from the Bill of Rights in this interactive and engaging civics program based on historical primary sources. Students will learn about the importance of First Amendment rights, identify examples in photographs and short written documents, and discover how to exercise those freedoms.
- For grades 3-5
- 45 minutes
This program is offered as a part of Civics for All of US, an education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement.
Superhero Bill of Rights!
Image from "The Bill of Rights and Beyond" Poster Created by the Bicentennial Commission, 1991
Focusing on the First Amendment, students will discover how the Superhero Bill of Rights saves the day by protecting people’s rights. Students will learn about the importance of rights and discover how they can exercise their rights. They will also analyze primary sources to identify the appropriate freedom(s) of the five freedoms represented in each historical example.
- For grades 3-5
- 45 minutes