Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Freedom of the Press: The Trial of Peter Zenger
In this lesson, 5th graders learn about the trial of Peter Zenger and how it laid the foundation for the freedom of the press. They will examine primary source documents and hold a mock trial, ending with a discussion of the First...
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Social Media and Free Speech
Complete learning module with lesson plan, video, vocabulary and activities on free speech and social media. Students examine arguments through video and text and debate to what extent should social media be protected as free speech...
iCivics
I Civics: Texas v. Johnson (1989)
This mini-lesson plan covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that burning the American flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. Students learn about the First Amendment freedom of speech and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Clapper v. Amnesty International (2013)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that determined the government's ability to conduct electronic surveillance of its citizens. Students learn about the First Amendment right to free speech, the Fourth...
Read Works
Read Works: Don't Know Much About Liberty
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
iCivics
I Civics: West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that it was unconstitutional for a state to force young scholars to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn how the interests of national...
iCivics
I Civics: Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school's ability to prohibit inappropriate student language on campus. Students learn about the First Amendment right of free speech, and explore the...
iCivics
I Civics: Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Association (1988)
This mini-lesson examines the Supreme Court case that pitted the interests of government economic projects against the religious rights of American Indians. Students learn about the religious protections of the First Amendment's Free...
iCivics
I Civics: Minersville v. Gobitas (1940)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that allowed schools to require learners to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn about the First Amendment and how the interests of...
iCivics
I Civics: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
This mini-lesson covers the Supreme Court's decision about limiting government restrictions on campaign contributions. Students learn about campaign finance, Super PACs, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold Act), and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
This mini-instructional activity covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that extended First Amendment protections to learners in the classroom. Students learn about the concept of symbolic speech and how learners gained the...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1844 1877: Reconstruction: The First Kkk
Explains how the Ku Klux Klan came into existence and how they terrorized African Americans as well as those who sympathized with them. The Klan would suppress the black vote so that Democrats had a better chance of winning an election...
Other
Bill of Rights Institute: College Bill of Rights
Colleges and universities often carry stricter policies than the Bill of Rights to protect their learners, even with their students being legal adults. Explore whether this is constitutional or not with the aid of this lesson plan.
Other
Landmark Cases: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
A fantastic teacher resource site for helping students explore the main issues of the landmark case of Tinker v. Des Moines. It includes background summaries, excerpts of opinions, activities, and in-depth lessons.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: On Stage at the Kennedy Center: The 2001 Mark Twain Prize
This Teacher Resource from the Kennedy Center helps students examine where and how humorists derive the material presented to their audiences. Activities encourage students to analyze elements of humor and the style of entertainers, and...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Boston Public Schools Capstone Project
The (Boston Public Schools) Capstone Project is an opportunity for students to engage in rigorous project-based learning. It is an opportunity for our students to develop skills to be life, career, and college-ready in a culturally...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: That's Your Right
An engaging online card game where students learn about the Bill of Rights by matching situations with the correct right. There are three levels of difficulty. Includes a short video for each of the first ten Amendments to the...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Censorship in the Classroom
Online lesson that challenges students to examine the past and present practice of censorship in the classroom, in particular the "Banned books," from high school curriculums. Students research reasons for censorship and choose a side of...
iCivics
I Civics: Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school principal's right to censor student articles in the school newspaper. Students learn about the limits on student free speech in a school...
Read Works
Read Works: Battle Over the Pledge
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text debating whether or not the Pledge of Allegiance should be said in schools. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
The National Law Journal: Home Page
The National Law Journal provides the latest news, legal information and e-law services for the legal professions and law students.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Promoting Understanding: Islam Collection
Use this toolkit to promote understanding about Islam through study of the culture, traditions, and personal stories of Muslim Americans. Engaging videos, background essays, discussion questions, and teaching tips challenge students to...
Read Works
Read Works: News Debate: Religion on Display
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text debating whether or not schools should be allowed to display the 10 Commandments. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Our Courts: Bill of Rights: You Mean I've Got Rights? [Pdf]
A great, active lesson about the Bill of Rights. Students compare rights they think they should have with the rights in the actual amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The language of the amendments is broken down into simpler English so...