Curated OER
Will the Supreme Court Vouch for Vouchers?
Students investigate past Supreme Court decisions that have centered on education issues and assess the ways in which those decisions have impacted American education. They consider the controversies surrounding the issue of school...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Bushwhacked
In this historical events worksheet, learners analyze political cartoons that feature caricatures of President George W. Bush. Students respond to 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Freedom of the Press Around the World
Students research press freedoms in various countries such as Iran and North Korea. They create a freedom of the press report card for the countries examined.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Why Are Cartoonists Vital to Democracy?
In this current events worksheet, learners analyze a political cartoon about the role of political cartoonists in democracies and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Media Arts Production
Students learn about the basic legal and ethical responsibilities shouldered by people making "reality" videos (i.e. videos with non-actors).
Curated OER
Marching For Freedom
Students appreciate the sacrifices that people from across the country made to ensure that all citizens could exercise their constitutional right to vote. They access excellent websites and documents imbedded in this plan to guide their...
Curated OER
Patriotism and Foreign Policy
Twelfth graders create a museum of Patriotism and Foreign Policy. They participate in discussions and work in committee's to determine which objects shall be displayed in the museum. They present visual and performing arts along with...
Curated OER
Swift Response
Students examine how matters of national security affect the press' ability to practice free speech. They read and discuss an article regarding the Swift program, discuss opinions about patriotism and the press, and write a letter to the...
Curated OER
Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?
Students define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments and...
Curated OER
The Down Low Talk Show
Students examine popular fashion trends and their personal tastes in clothing styles. They explore the legislation and controversy over wearing pants too low by reading and discussing the article "Are Your Jeans Sagging? Go Directly to...
Curated OER
The Many Faces of Paul Robeson
Students discuss and construct timelines based on the life of author/performer/Civil Right's activist, Paul Robeson. They view photographs of him at various times in his life and discuss the roles he may have been playing at those times.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: The Competition of Ideas
For this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons based on anti-American sentiments. Students respond to 4 talking point questions
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Nothing is More Patriotic Than Social Criticism
In this historical events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature social criticism. Students respond to 2 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Drawn to Freedom
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature the free exchange of ideas and government criticism. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Liberty vs. Security
In this current events activity, students analyze a political cartoon about civil liberties and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: The Right to Know vs. Government Secrecy
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about government secrecy and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Freedom of Religion
Students use this lesson to focus on the freedom of religion. In groups, they discuss how the separation of church and state applies to the public schools across the country. They compare and contrast the establishment and free exercise...
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights and You
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The lesson explains what the Bill of Rights is and how it applies to everyday life, like freedom of speech or the right to a jury trial. Young historians complete hands-on...
C-SPAN
Choice Board - Conversations with Suffragists
Celebrate 100 years of women's suffrage by planning a re-enactment of famous women discussing their fight. After learners view a series of interviews with famous women played by actors, including Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Creation of the Bill of Rights: “Retouching the Canvas”
While the Constitutional Convention lay the foundation of the new government for the United States, the protections given under the Bill of Rights were controversial. Using documents, such as James Madison's and Thomas Jefferson's...
Curated OER
Liberty for All: Voices from the Revolution
Did the Declaration of Independence really intend to grant liberty for all? Get your class thinking about historical perspective with documents relaying the experiences of women, white men, and African-Americans during the Revolutionary...
Curated OER
Towards Separation of Church and State in Gloucester
Explore New England government in the 1700's with your class. They will identify historical documents as primary or secondary sources, then read and discuss the significance of these documents as they relate to the "freedom of religion"...
Annenberg Foundation
America's History in the Making: Classroom Applications Four
The final installment of a 22-part American history series examines the many faces that make up the country's story. From Henry Ford to Tulio Serrano, scholars use biographical evidence and Internet research to uncover the people behind...
Smithsonian Institution
Young People Shake Up Elections (History Proves It) Educator Guide
Vote, it's your civic duty! The resource provides several videos about voting in the United States. Scholars watch a series of topics ranging from youth participation to civic action. The educator's guide provides teachers with...