Celebrate Inauguration Day with Discovery Education
Every four years, an amazing celebration happens in Washington, D.C. — Americans come together to watch the recently elected President of the United States pledge to uphold and defend the laws of the land. Ignite student curiosity around the significance and history of Inauguration Day with new resources from Discovery Education. Students can take an exclusive Virtual Field Trip behind the scenes, participate in engaging activities in and out of the classroom, and watch the livestream of the special ceremony!
Virtual Field Trip
I Do Solemnly Swear:
The U.S. Presidential Inauguration
This behind-the-scenes Virtual Field Trip features Inauguration Day questions from real students and answers from real experts. Spark student interest and dive deeper into Inauguration Day topics, including:
- What is it like at a Presidential Inauguration?
- Why do we have inaugurations?
- Why do they happen on January 20?
- Why is the inauguration held at the Capitol?
- What is it like to move into the White House?
Featuring Special Guests with Inside Knowledge of the Inauguration Celebration
Anita McBride
Former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush
Carla Hayden
14th Librarian of Congress
Dr. Jill Biden
First Lady-Elect
Sarada Peri
Speechwriter for Former President Barack Obama
Mary Kate Cary
Speechwriter for Former President George H.W. Bush
Colleen Shogan
White House Historical Association
Kate Masur
Historian, Northwestern University
Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Senator, Minnesota (D)
Roy Blunt
U.S. Senator, Missouri (R)
Virtual Field Trip
Our White House: An Inaugural Celebration for Young Americans
Join Discovery Education and the Presidential Inauguration Committee for an immersive livestream of Inauguration Day! Hosted by Keke Palmer, this historic event will feature messages from a special guest, segments from the Library of Congress, trivia and fun facts, and events of the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
Inauguration Day Resources for Educators and Students
Introductory Lesson Resources
To download, select “Download As” from the File menu. Teacher directions are located in the Notes section for each slide.
- Grades K-5:
- Grades 6-10:
Additional Content
- A President’s First 100 Days in Office Infographic
- Newsy: Kamala Harris Makes History as Vice President-Elect (video)
- Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden accepts the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination (Image)
- U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (image)
- The 2021 Inauguration Infographic
- The Right to Choose (video)