A set of porcelain teaware, a medallion, and a old document in front of a blue background with an american flag detail

Quick Consuls: Collection of Classroom Bell Ringers

Jumpstart class with NMAD’s bell ringer collection, offering quick prompts for reflection, inquiry, and discussion of America’s 250-year diplomatic journey.

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Start class with energy, curiosity, and purpose with NMAD’s collection of bell ringers! Each quick prompt is designed to spark reflection, invite historical inquiry, and open the door to lively discussion!

These bell ringers offer a wide range of question types, from critical thinking to object analysis, designed to engage students in various ways. The extensive range of themes includes the Declaration of Independence, the Great Seal, treaties, alliances, commerce, and reflections on America at 250, alongside the continuous importance of civic responsibility.

Whether the aim is to foster analytical skills, promote active citizenship, encourage thoughtful perspectives on diplomacy, or simply spark discussion, these bell ringers provide an accessible way to forge meaningful connections between the past and present.

Materials & Links

Quilt Square Template
Teacher’s presentation in Google Slides (This resource is set to “view only.” Please make a copy to modify the resource and use it with your students.)

Standards Alignment

D2.Civ.2.9-12: Analyze the role of citizens in the U.S. political system.
D2.Civ.3.6-8: Examine the origins, purpose, and impact of constitutions, laws, treaties, and international agreements.
D2.Civ.10.9-12: Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues.
D2.His.2.9-12: Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
D4.7.6-8: Assess their individual and collective capacities to take action to address local, regional, and global problems.