Curated OER
Why Burn Books?
Students identify the role of free speech in the selection of library books. They choose one banned book to read and evaluate the reason for its censorship. They create an argument for or against the selection of the book.
Curated OER
Don't Let Your Rights Be Violated
Ninth graders engage in a study of the First Amendment of The Constitution. They read the amendment and use a highlighter to note the important parts. Then students journal the connections of its importance to daily life. They include...
Curated OER
English Vocabulary Skills: AWL Sublist 5 - Exercise 2b
In this online interactive English vocabulary skills activity, students answer 10 matching questions which require them to fill in the blanks in 10 sentences. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
English Vocabulary Skills: AWL Sublist 6 - Exercise 2c
In this online interactive English vocabulary skills instructional activity, high schoolers answer 10 matching questions which require them to fill in the blanks in 10 sentences. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students answer higher level thinking questions based on thought provoking words in their questions. Students complete 5 higher level thinking questions.
University of Maryland
Voices of Democracy: John F. Kennedy, "Address: "The President and Press" 1961
Read President John F. Kennedy's speech, "The President and the Press," which he delivered before the American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) on April 27, 1961. In this speech, he attempted to explain and justify the Bay of Pigs...
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: 2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: China
A comprehensive account of human rights practices in China for the year 2018. Per the US Department of State, China's "human rights record remained poor and worsened in some areas." Sections of the report include: Arbitrary or Unlawful...
Choices Program, Brown University
Choices: The Struggle to Define Free Speech: From Skokie to Paris
Relevant resource on free speech in which students examine how different societies define freedom of expression. Through multi-media sources students look at historical sources as well as current controveries over free speech.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Life Without the Bill of Rights?
This a click-and-explore activity that puts you in control and ask you to consider how life would change without some of our most cherished freedoms. Life Without the Bill of Rights? invites you to understand the significance of your...
BBC
Bbc News: Ghana Celebrates First 50 Years
Ghana's celebration of fifty years of freedom from colonial rule is the focus of this BBC feature. Richly supplemented with photos, audio slideshows, speeches and background articles, the article provides lots of information on Ghana's...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The "Clear and Present Danger" Test
Modern first amendment law was formed by cases during the WWI era. Were dissent and subversive activity protected by freedom of speech? Examine five cases that answered this constitutional question. Included are the full opinions of the...
Other
Article 19: Promoting Freedom of Expression
Discusses right to information and freedom of expression issues. Bright, colorful, nicely designed with many resources.
Other
Student Press Law Center Legal Brief: Libel Law
Excellent site for students that need to know more about libel laws. Includes a definition of libel, a process to go by in order to avoid a lawsuit, and your defense options if you happen to be involved in a lawsuit.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Ends Ban on Sale of Violent Video Games
An article about the Supreme Court ending a ban on the sale of violent video games. There are also links to other related items such as a classroom activity and information about the revolution of video games.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Protests
Hateful as these actions may seem to many people, do groups still have the right to protest under the First Amendment? Read about the case that the Supreme Court is considering involving protests at a military funeral.
Other
Freedom Forum: Lesson Plans for the First Amendment
These lessons address constitutional principles and contemporary issues involving the First Amendment. They intend to have explore how freedoms began and how they operate in today's world. Students will discuss just how far individual...
American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Robert La Follette: Senate Address:"free Speech in War Time"
This is the text of Robert La Follette's speech to the Senate, "Free Speech in War Time" delivered on October 6, 1917, in the U.S. Senate Chamber, in Washington, D.C.
Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Constitution Day Activities: Middle and High 2
What would life be like without the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition?
Scholastic
Scholastic: Democracy for Kids: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Scholastic offers a series of printable panels and classroom activities in PDF format that focus on a U.S. citizen's right to express his- or herself. Content focuses on the Bill of Rights and its provisions for freedom of religion,...
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Rcfp: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
This non-profit organization collects instances of First Amendment and Freedom of Information cases throughout the United States and reports on the facts and outcomes. An interesting cross section from this section of our law.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Constitution: First Amendment Protections
This resource contains an annotated look at the different topics covered within the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Click on any subtopic link for in-depth information about that part of the First Amendment.
US National Archives
Our Documents: The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by Congress in 1798 because of feared war with France. This engaging page gives you the opportunity to see a complete copy of the original document and also gives links to a typed transcript,...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Virtual Victory?
Discussion of the implications of the Supreme Court ruling against the constitutionality of the Communications Decency Act, including give and take on the meaning of the decision for children. Includes transcript of discussion, and link...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: 1st Amendment
Short, simple summary with the full text of the 1st amendment of the Bill of Rights detailing freedom of religion, the freedom of the press, and freedom of expression in the Constitution.