“What does the Constitution mean to you?” was the question of the week as Pasadena ISD students celebrated Constitution Week.

South Houston High School students of Janet Reed read the "The Constitution" from the Houston Chronicle, which is a 15-page information booklet on the entire Constitution and a detailed look at the first nine amendments.  The students studied the booklet, gleaned 20 facts and ideas that they thought were significant. Students then chose five rights that the Constitution gives them as citizens and gave the responsibilities that go with each right.

“It was difficult for students to state the responsibilities that go along with corresponding rights, but it was an excellent learning experience for them,” explained Ms. Reed.

In Craig Hicks’ class, South Houston High students were given copies of the Iraqi Constitution, which tied in with their studies of Mesopotamia, and were asked to compare and contrast it with the U.S. Constitution to make the Constitution and the benefits it provides more relevant to the students.

“Other high schools showed video clips explaining the history of the Constitution and then discussed the intricacies in the wording and the lives of the authors and their effects on our country today,” states Helen Drab, Social Studies instructional specialist. “The week is a good opportunity to bring the Constitution to life for our students and make it a personal experience.”