Lesson Plan

Democracy’s Watchdog

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This Democracy’s Watchdog lesson plan also includes:

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 Bly's report on the conditions at the Women's Lunatic Asylum in  New York City, Ida B. Wells articles about lynchings in America, Seymour Hersh's report about the 1968 My Lai massacre, and Wesley Lowery coverage of the shooting of Michael Brown.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Have scholars investigate a current example of watchdog journalism and report their findings to the class
Classroom Considerations
  • A protocol must be in place for a safe, respectful discussion of these controversial stories
  • Requires copies of the four case studies
Pros
  • Includes detailed step-by-step directions
Cons
  • None
Common Core