Culler Middle School eighth graders like Cici and Joel added important amendments to their United States knowledge this fall when they explored details about the Constitution.

University of Nebraska College of Law student Alyssa Hurta shared bedrock principles of the nation’s top document with the Cougars in their social studies classes. She passed out pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, spoke about the formation of the country’s governmental system and helped students craft their own ideas for potential amendments.

Cici and Joel said they felt the lesson went well. Hurta presented three real-life scenarios of amendments and watched as everyone voted on whether they should be ratified. Cici, Joel and their Culler classmates then worked together determining what they would like to include in the Constitution.

“I enjoyed how she explained everything to us,” Cici said. “When we had questions, she answered them really well.”

“I liked how she told us about the Constitution and how she talked about our responses to the things we voted on,” Joel said.

Culler eighth grade teachers Paige Newth and Nolan Plagge said they appreciate UNL law students sharing their expertise. They said the sessions are a key part of the Lincoln Public Schools social studies curriculum.

“I think having the law students come in and speak with our students about the Constitution is one of the most important things we do all year,” Newth said. “In class, we focus so much on the basic setup of government and its historical applications. Allowing students the opportunity to hear about the modern applications of the Constitution from someone outside of their social studies classroom highlights a different perspective for students, one that they may have overlooked.”

“I feel it is extremely important for eighth grade students to learn about the Constitution, and having UNL law students deliver the lessons makes a big difference,” Plagge said.

The visits are the result of an ongoing partnership between LPS and the UNL College of Law to highlight the Constitution’s significance. The Huskers also spoke to middle school students at Irving, Lefler, Lux, Mickle, Pound and Scott in preparation for Constitution Week.

Hurta based her presentation on a lesson from the law school’s Continuing Legal Education Project. She first reviewed the historical background of the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention. She then spoke about the checks-and-balances system of government that has guided the country for more than two centuries.

Hurta said it was fun to watch the Cougars learn more about the original 4,500-word document and its 27 amendments. She said it was essential for younger students to become more familiar with the seven Constitutional articles, the Bill of Rights and the separate responsibilities of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

“It’s important for them to have a baseline understanding, because you’re never too young to know what your rights are and be able to use them,” Hurta said.

Hurta is a second-year student who came to UNL specifically for the college’s space and cybersecurity law programs. The Texas native chose to volunteer her time at Culler because she wanted to pass along her knowledge of the nation’s history. She also wanted to practice her public speaking skills outside of a courtroom.

“Public speaking is definitely something I’m going to use in my future job,” Hurta said. “It’s really fun getting to do this in a different environment.”

Cici and Joel said the amendment activity was one of their favorite parts of the day. The Cougars formed small groups at their desks and discussed what they would like to see added to the Constitution. They then spoke about their ideas with everyone at the end of the period.

Cici said she enjoyed hearing what her classmates came up with. Their ideas ranged from lowering the legal driving age to 13 years old to changing times for using cellphones at school.

“I liked how we could express ourselves and share what our thoughts were,” Cici said.

UNL students visited 36 groups of LPS eighth graders over a five-day period in mid-September. They joined millions of other people across the U.S. who celebrated the anniversary of the Constitution’s signing on Sept. 17, 1787.

The national goals of Constitution Week are encouraging the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution, emphasizing citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the document, and informing people that it is the foundation of the country’s society. LPS eighth graders explore the Constitution during their chronological study of American history each year.

Cici and Joel said they look forward to coming to their social studies class each day because the subject is interesting to them.

“I like learning about our history and what made our country come to be,” Cici said.

“I like learning about the history of everything and how people lived before,” Joel said.

Hurta said their curiosity about the Constitution will ensure that the document remains a bedrock principle of American society for decades to come.

“I’m really passionate about educating students about the Constitution, because it’s really important that people know their rights,” Hurta said. “You can’t protect what you don’t know you have.”

Discover how LPS students collect essential American history knowledge in their social studies classes.

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