Plymouth resident Ruth Weist was more than happy to take the challenge to answer questions about the United States Constitution from students of the Weidner School of Inquiry. Weist said she was shopping at a local store ;ast week when four students tested her knowledge.
Twenty-six Weidner School of Inquiry students of Grant Masson, social studies teacher, asked participants five questions about the topic including the amendments.
The Constitution quiz was a part of a duo-credit Government course. Masson, who immigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1989, is a firm believer that Americans should know what rights they have and how to protect them. He said, “Students in the class had to take a poll to find out what people knew and secondly find ways to help teach the concepts.” He said, “Students did have to do some face-to-face polling, but could also do some digital polling as well.” Once students got their polling information, they had to put their findings into a math spreadsheet to help them identify specific targets. One of the ideas that students are trying as a teaching tool is QR posters on the internet.
Masson said, “This is a brand new project that has lead to several really good conversations in the classroom.” He added, “Students asked several teachers and administrators to take the quiz as well.”
Weist said, “I always loved American history when I was in school. My knowledge of history even got me a trip to Girl’s State at Indiana University.” Only being able to answer two of five questions made her stop and think. Weist said, “I have been out of high school over 60 years and it has probably been 50-60 years since I looked at the Constitution, but this quiz really hit home with me.”
She said, “This was a good class assignment. It puts a lot of us to shame.” She pointed out that immigrants wanting to become American citizens must know a great deal of the information included in the Constitution. The U.S. Citizenship test is administered to all immigrants applying for citizenship. It is composed of 100 questions across five categories: American government, systems of government, rights and responsibilities, American history and integrated civics.
Weist said she will be taking out copies of the Constitution to brush up on her knowledge.
Carol Anders Correspondent
