News Literacy Project
Democracy’s Watchdog
As part of a study of the importance of the First Amendment, expert groups research different historic case studies of investigative reporting, and then the experts share their findings with jigsaw groups. The case studies include Nellie...
Facing History and Ourselves
Laws and the National Community
When it comes to the law, is justice always served? Teach scholars about how law sometimes enables prejudice of entire groups of people with a unit on World War II that includes a warm-up activity, analysis of primary sources,...
Curated OER
Breaking News English: President Bush OK'd Spying in America
In this English worksheet, students read "President Bush OK'd Spying in America," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Curated OER
Breaking News English: International Conference on Islam Openers
For this English worksheet, students read "International Conference on Islam Openers," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Curated OER
Introductory lesson for the beginning of each new year
Students explore, analyze and discuss the human values of truth, love, peace, righteousness, and responsibility. They discover that these values help everyone live more happily and in greater harmony with other people. Valuing others...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Free Speech vs. Respect for Religion
In this historical events worksheet, learners analyze political cartoons about the First Amendment. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Who To Believe?
Students interpret meaning from opposing views on the same topic, and discuss that there is often so much "spin" and "hidden agendas" in the media.
Curated OER
Children's Organization for Civil Rights
Pupils analyze a speech from Constance Baker Motley, examine student Organization for Civil Rights' documents, and then create their own plan of action for what the C.O.C.R. might be like if it existed today.
Curated OER
The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Eleventh graders explore the purpose of the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary source documents. Students write an essay using writing prompts.
Curated OER
Scrapbook of Freedom
Third graders create a scrapbook using personal narratives and samples of artifacts to connect to maps of geographical locations of the Underground Rail Road. they describe at least one of the feelings a child slave might have had...
Curated OER
A Study of the First Amendment Rights in the Bill of Rights
Students become aware of the basic liberties of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition through study of Supreme Court cases. Student groups analyae some cases heard by the Supreme Court to further their understanding of the First...
Curated OER
Understanding Human Rights Through One Woman's Struggle: Aung San Suu Kyi
Students analyze human rights in the international community. In this human rights lesson, students explore the United Nations, and the Declaration of Human Rights. Students read about Aung San Suu Kyi and watch a video about human...
Smithsonian Institution
Spanish American War
Today, Cuba and America sometimes struggle with diplomatic relations, but did you know that America went to war against Spain to free Cuba? Learners examine many interesting facts related to the Spanish American War using an informative...
Curated OER
The First Amendment
Eleventh graders examine the First Amendment. In this US Government activity, 11th graders analyze the scope and meaning of the first amendment. Students conduct a survey on First Amendment freedoms. Student evaluate the First...
Curated OER
Public Schools and Prayer - Do They Mix?
Students discuss and research different Supreme Court cases and examine religious freedom and prayer in public schools.
Curated OER
Scrapbook of Freedom
Third graders examine what it was like for a child traveling in the Underground Railroad.
Bismarck Public Schools
History & Math of the 1830s
Using this interdisciplinary learning exercise, your young historians will have the opportunity to practice their math skills while learning about the drastic population increase in the United States during the presidency of Andrew...
Curated OER
Democracy, A Basic Element In Our Society
Students investigate the concept of freedom with the context of the First Amendment. They research and take notes looking for the connections between democracy and freedom. They complete a writing assessment that includes naming all of...
Curated OER
What Makes Us Free?: Maine's Declaration of Rights
Students analyze Maine's Declaration of Rights. They review state constitutions and declaration of rights and their importance. They analyze a section of Maine's Declaration of Rights and crete their own declarations of rights. They...
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
A Deliberate, Palpable and Dangerous Exercise of Other Powers: James Madison & Homeland Security
This resource uses primary source documents to explore the First Amendment. After reviewing key events of the 1790s, government or US history classes explore Madison's letter to Jefferson regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. They then...
Curated OER
The Rule of Law
Learners continue their exploration of the concept of rule of law. As a class, they discuss how Civil Rights leaders followed the rule of law in their protests. After reading various articles, they participate in a discussion and...
NPR
Civil Rights of Japanese-American Internees
Prompted by a viewing of Emiko and Chizu Omori’s Rabbit in the Moon, a documentary about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, high schoolers examine a series of documents, including the Bill of Rights and the UN’s...
Curated OER
In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash
Learners review their knowledge on the First Amendment. After reading an article, they identify specific church and state issues. Using the Internet, they research President Bush's proposal from a specific point of view. They summarize...
Curated OER
Civil Rights: An Investigation
Students take a closer look at the political side of the American Civil Rights Movement. In this 20th century American history lesson, students research the contributions of President Johnson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and J. Edgar...