So your little human beings are headed back to school. Besides learning their ABCs and their 123s, what can parents do to help them grow into full citizens and well-rounded adults?

Here’s an idea. Let them see firsthand the gears of this great nation, the men and women who make it run every day. Seeing the action firsthand impacts young minds more than a thousand books or lectures. Put away their phone and help them build a bulwark against the cynicism of the Internet. Here are a few ideas. Better yet, they’re free!