Fourth of July learning: Kick it up a notch, stimulate dialogue, offer history, make it fun

San Diego's "Patriot" jet boat by Flagship offers fun on the holiday. It's possible to combine fun with learning, so if you're looking for something more -- a way to learn about our country's formation -- here are suggestions.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

A family hike included talk about the Constitution. L-R: Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe and his grandson, Connor Brocious.

I'M AS PATRIOTIC as the next guy or gal, but with the political tensions, shootings, riots, demonstrations and general unrest in our imperfect but glorious country, I'm up for something new this Fourth of July week.

Talking with young people this summer, I realized how little they know about American history, the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, the background of the founding of the United States. They'll jump into the "No Kings" demonstrations, as I did years ago to protest the war in Vietnam.  But what do they really know about our history?

Let's get some dialogue going. Let's learn something.

It can be a refresher course for adults, too.

What to know about "No Kings" click here

From left: Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and our first president, George Washington.

IS IT POSSIBLE, I wonder, to make learning fun, to take the "Gen Z" kids back to school without them knowing it?  To get them thinking, going to the library, looking at books again, considering an alternative to a life with only the internet and social media for company and resource? Sure, we all need modern technology, but let's use it to enrich, not replace, and to broaden our understanding.

Fourth of July 'No Devices'

First (and this is bold!) have everyone agree to put down devices for a few hours to explore a new outdoor activity with conversation and dialogue, a history lesson in disguise. Why not combine the usual barbecue with a hike, biking, boating or raft outing, or a camping day or two, to get away from technology? During a quiet moment or stop for a meal or snacks, have a few questions jotted down and get conversation going on the country's founding.

A protest in Washington, D.C., against the War in Vietnam from the writer's archives. Mingle fun with learning by generating a discussion about our sacred rights: freedom of religion, right to assemble peacefully, right to speak out.

No dissertations, just highlights and questions to promote thought and dialogue:

*What did we not like about the tyranny of the monarchy?

* What is a democracy?

What amendment allows protests, free speech

First Amendment

• Protects the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

• Prohibits Congress from making laws that infringe on these rights.

• Ensures individuals can express opinions without government interference.

• Allows for peaceful assembly and protest against the government.

• Guarantees the right to practice any religion or none at all.

• Supports a free press to inform the public and hold power accountable.

Ask your party these questions

* What is the Bill of Rights?  The Constitution? The Amendments? How were they instituted? The Gettysburg Address? Emancipation Proclamation? How did they shape Civil Rights? 

* Why is the Civil War essential to understanding American history?

Don't preach. It's a turn-off. Make this fun. The idea is to get dialogue going, to pique interest and appreciation of our freedoms.

Our founding fathers challenges, click here

A scene from "Gettysburg," one of a host of excellent films to give young and old background of U.S. history.

HOW ABOUT staging the learning session casually, beginning with a family/friends game in someone's back yard? I grew up with miniature golf and it was so much fun -- cousins, neighbors, several generations. Baseball, pickleball, swimming, basketball, badminton, volleyball. Then when everyone is unwinding, let the discussion begin.

Why we separated from Britain, click here

In writing this article, I'm learning more about our history. The Declaration of Independence is a fine document to re-read. It can easily be printed out and used to begin a dialogue.

Civil War series by Ken Burns, click here

Then there's nothing wrong with barbecues, parades, block parties, fireworks displays, outdoor concerts. All part of Americana. Watching a film with historic background or political overtones is a great capper to the day. Ken Burns' brilliant, award winning Civil War Series is tops. Many more: Suggestions for Fourth of July movies

Macy's Fireworks Display is one of the nation's largest. Fireworks remain a staple part of our celebrations.

FIREWORKS ARE beloved by me and my clan.  They still come into play: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks light up New York City from the East River. The Montreal festival -- the world's largest fireworks competition -- is on now,  featuring pyrotechnic companies from around the world: L'International des Feux Loto-Québec overlaps our Fourth. It began June 26 and continues to July 31.

Macy's fireworks details, TV time

Washington, D.C. continues the U.S. Capitol's patriotic tradition of a stunning fireworks extravaganza on the National Mall.

Other much anticipated Fourth Fireworks shows are planned in Boston, Philadelphia, Hawaii, Chicago, Portland and our home base of San Diego. We've  seen thrilling Fourth of July fireworks displays. Parades and fireworks in Honolulu and Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno thrilled us. Many cities around the world sponsor Fourth of July festivities, often staged by expats. Paris, London and Sydney host free fireworks shows to entertain hotel guests and other visitors.

Wherever you are -- U.S. or elsewhere -- whatever your citizenship, make it a fun, learning week. Then continue the knowledge buzz into the year.

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Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane treasure, with delicious brunches, burgers and live music. A fun haunt on a food tour.

UP NEXT:  Take a bite of Brisbane.  This exciting, historic Australian city has a wonderful enterprise, Delectable Tours, which features unique eateries and a delightful walking tour with flair and appeal. You'll walk the streets where Australia's first penal colony was settled, tasting delicious fare prisoners might only have dreamed of:  marinated olives, family made pad Thai,  grilled cheese with fragrant aperitifs, chickpea falafel, tasty raw salmon and gorgeous tiramisu with soothing mint tea. Enterprising owner Jamie-Lee Howard shows off her city with pride. You'll stop at hidden haunts, combining her lively history lesson with delectable bites. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh slant on travel, food, family, performance, nature, the arts and more.

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