America2 50 Utah has launched a suite of educational resources designed to help students understand the values of the Declaration of Independence and the history of Utah and the United States. The initiative seeks to equip the next generation with the knowledge necessary to shape the future of democracy.
Teacher Training Initiatives
In addition to providing materials for families, the program aims to reach 500 K-12 civics teachers through professional training and resources.
Collaborative Educational Resource Development
The educational offerings include curated resources for educators, parents, and students, developed in collaboration with the Utah Historical Society, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, BYU ARTS Partnership, and the Center for Constitutional Studies at UVU.
Core Curriculum Themes
Key curriculum themes include:
Our American Experiment, which focuses on lessons regarding the nation's founding ideals.
Power of Place, which examines the histories of Utah's people and places since 1776.
We the People, which highlights individual stories and groups from the Revolutionary era.
Digital Lesson Plan Access
Lesson plans are also accessible through the Utah Education Network (UEN) via emedia.
Family and Student Engagement Tools
For families and students, the initiative provides tools for civic engagement at home and in the community. This includes 25 ideas for student involvement and a USA Turns 250 activity booklet available at local libraries. The booklet features coloring pages, word searches, and prompts regarding the future of America.
Declaration of Independence Master Class
Additionally, a five-part master class series is available to explore the principles behind the Declaration of Independence, such as equality, civic responsibility, and natural rights.
Through a partnership with Utah-Law Related Education and UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies, America250 Utah is providing professional development for teachers. This training includes the We The People program, which uses a curriculum focused on the history and principles of constitutional democracy.
Professional development opportunities for Utah educators are held throughout the year.
