Newseum
‘45 Words' Video Lesson
A short video introduces viewers to the political struggles involved in passing the First Amendment and the many challenges it has faced since its passage. Viewers then discuss how to balance issues of freedom of the press, national...
Newseum
You Can’t Say That: Right to Know vs. Security Risk
Print or block? That is the question young journalists debate as part of their study of the freedom of the press. Half the class represents the journalists' legal team, and the other half represents the government's legal team. Teams...
Administrative Office of the US Courts
Texas v. Johnson
Which right does the Constitution weigh more heavily: the sanctity of the American flag as a symbol of national unity, or the right to burn the flag in protest? The 1989 Supreme Court case of Texas v. Johnson explores a state's right to...
Newseum
Civil Rights: Reporting Out
After brainstorming a list of contemporary local, regional, and national civil rights issues, pairs of scholars select one of these issues and design an information campaign to spread awareness of the issue.
Global Oneness Project
Repairing the Fabric of Democracy
During elections, headlines constantly lament the issue of low voter turnout. Help class members understand why this is such an important topic with relevant articles, a discussion of both sides of the issue, and a reflective essay.
K12 Reader
National Symbols
What are the most prominent symbols of the United States? Learn about the bald eagle, the American flag, and the Statue of Liberty in a reading comprehension activity that includes a short passage and five reflective questions.
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Celebrating America's Freedoms
From a flag-raising ceremony to a poster contest, there are many ways for learners to pay respect on Veteran's Day. Class members participate in one or many activities to honor those who served our country.
Curated OER
Running for Freedom: The FUgitive Slave law and the Coming of the Civil War
In order to understand the complicated nature of slave laws during the Civil War, learners compare and contrast an abolitionist poster and a runaway slave ad. They use an attached worksheet to consider each primary source document, then...
Curated OER
Introduction to American Literature
Pupils discuss the topic of freedom and what the National Anthem means to them and to our country. They create a new and original verse for the National Anthem.
Curated OER
Religious Expression in Public Schools
Students explore religious expression in the United States. In this religious freedom lesson, students read a handout regarding Religious Freedom Day and other handouts regarding religious expression in public schools. Students complete...
Curated OER
A House Dividing: The Growing Crisis of Sectionalism in Antebellum America
Pupils trace the development of sectionalism in the United States. They explore slavery, freedom and the Constitution. Students identify influential opponents and defenders of American slavery. They explain different solutions to the...
Curated OER
American Heritage Themes
Young scholars explore American freedom, unity, progress, and responsibility. In this American history lesson, students discuss what it means to be an American as they reflect on contributions of noteworthy Americans and write a...
Curated OER
Human Rights Violations
Students explore how human rights are different in each part of the world. In this freedome lesson, students define human rights, research how human rights in one country ultimately affect other countries, and share their findings...
Curated OER
Treaties - Grade 8
Eighth graders examine treaties pertaining to Canadian natives. In this Canadian history lesson, 8th graders watch "Frist Nations: The Unbroken Circle," and then discuss the negotiations that took place between the Nisga'a people and the...
Curated OER
Free To Speak And Free To Post?
High schoolers research online and in books city statutes regarding posting signs on utility poles, interview appropriate officials about ordinances and how completely it is enforced, explore what has happened elsewhere when citizens...
Curated OER
World can't wait, students say
Students create a lesson to present to the rest of the class about current laws, including expressing killing the president as a joke. Students research past events and current laws. Students present to the class using mult-media, oral...
Curated OER
The National Motto
Second graders examine the meaning of the national motto, "In God We Trust." In this national motto lesson, 2nd graders explain some of the reasons why people selected the motto for the nation after viewing and discussing a coins and a...
Curated OER
The Sound of Music and Passage to Freedom
Seventh graders examine music examples to investigate a conflict in history about Hitler's invasions during WWII. In this music analysis lesson, 7th graders discuss vocabulary and the history for the Holocaust and Hitler's invasions....
National First Ladies' Library
The Medal of Freedom: The Nation's Highest Civilian Award
Learners discover the American Medal of Freedom, also known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Using the internet, groups of students research the history of the award, its recipients, and its origin. Each group prepares a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Presidential Medal of freedom
Students discuss the Presidential Medal of Freedom and create pamphlets about recvipients, including artwork depicting reasons for receiving the medals. They write essays about someone they think should be awarded the medal.
Curated OER
Show Your Colors and Make Freedom Bracelets
Pupils understand the meaning of a freedom bracelet. In this terrorism lesson, students create freedom bracelets as a statement against terrorism. Pupils weave this creative project in red, white and blue to show support of their nation.
Teacher Created Materials
Memorial Day
Youngsters celebrate Memorial Day by creating a coloring book of the major holiday events, as well as constructing a windsock donning stars and stripes.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
How Do Human Rights Work?
Do human rights apply to children? Scholars learn of three children asking for help to determine their rights and how to handle specific situations. Class members must research any laws pertaining to the requested right and how the...
Curated OER
The Pentagon Papers
Students examine national security issues. In this Vietnam activity, students research the background and controversy surrounding the Pentagon Papers. Students discuss press rights in light of maintaining national security.