Online Course
Celebrate America 250
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation with free online courses honoring America's founding story.
Enroll Today
Course Overview
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction," President Reagan reminded us. As America marks its 250th birthday, we honor that charge with a collection of free courses designed to pass the torch of liberty to every generation. Every course is free and rooted in the principles Reagan cherished.
What you'll learn
- Freedom is a gift to protect
- Civic Responsibility
Curriculum
- 1
America 250: A Digital Discovery (ALL AGES)
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, you have a unique opportunity to explore the people, places, ideas, and stories that continue to shape our nation. Through this Digital Discovery Challenge, you'll use your phone to investigate your community, capture meaningful moments, and then turn your discoveries into a Digital Story of America—a personal snapshot of our country's past, present, and future through your eyes.
- 2
America 250: Sharing the Gift of Freedom (K-2ND GRADE)
Explore the powerful words of President Reagan and discover why freedom is a precious gift worth protecting—one that each generation must guard and pass on. Through Reagan's inspiring message, a knowledge-check quiz, and a personal reflection activity, you'll learn how young people like you play a vital role in keeping freedom strong for the future.
- 3
America 250: It's About More Than Fireworks (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Discover how President Reagan reminds us that freedom is far more than a July Fourth celebration—it is a year-round responsibility that begins with the choices you make every day. Through Reagan's own words, a hands-on sorting activity, and a creative project that tells the two stories of freedom, you'll explore why protecting this precious gift is a duty each of us proudly shares.
- 4
America 250: "We the People" (5TH GRADE-ADULT)
The story of "We the People" didn't end when the Constitution was signed in 1787—it has continued to grow as more Americans have had the opportunity to help shape our nation's future. As you learn about this expanding circle and hear President Reagan's reflections on the power of ordinary citizens, consider how "We the People" continues to define America's past, present, and future.
- 5
Voices of America 250: Poetry in Primary Sources (5TH GRADE-ADULT)
This activity challenges you to look beyond the surface of a text and discover how writers use words to create meaning. By closely examining a poem, you will identify powerful language, imagery, and emotions, and explore how these elements work together to communicate a deeper message. Along the way, you will strengthen your ability to analyze word choice, recognize themes, and uncover meaning that is not always stated directly.
- 6
America 250: Dialogue for the Next Chapter (MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS)
This section explains how the Social Studies lesson intentionally builds and practices the core skills of civil discourse. It also includes a lesson framework that provides a clear overview of the lesson's structure to support planning and implementation.