Curated OER
The United Nations and Women
Students analyze the role of the Commission on the Status of Women in the post-WW II era by looking at the general framework the Committee worked within. They propose their own solutions to the case studies.
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
Thomas Jefferson
Fourth graders recall the names of the first two presidents of the United States and identify the man who became the third. They compose an epitaph for Thomas Jefferson.
Curated OER
American History Overview: February
Third graders examine and discuss the first permanent settlement in the New World at Jamestown, Virginia. They write responses to an excerpt from George Percy's journal, and trace the Middle Passage across the Atlantic Ocean for slave...
Curated OER
Divided We Fall
Students investigate the consequences of eliminating one or more of the amendments to the Bill of Rights.
Curated OER
Rebellion, Resolution, Empowerment; Embracing the Challenge to Make a Difference, Past and Present
Students study the social, economic, and political environment in Canada before 1837.
Curated OER
We Can Change the World!
Students use newspapers and websites to examine human rights' abuses issues. They consider how these rights' abuses relate to citizens' rights. Following their research, they write a journal entry and discuss an action or project they...
Curated OER
Lesson 1: Powerless?
Students formulate interview questions based on the information they learn from the video Power Lines. They conduct an interview with a relative, friend, or community member over 60 years old.
Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
Students use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to the...
Curated OER
I Give You My Heart
Second graders create hearts using stencils, pastels, construction paper, and tracing and cutting techniques in this Art lesson for the 2nd grade classroom. Emphasis is placed on the concept of repeating patterns. An ideal lesson for...
Curated OER
Mapping Human Rights in Our Community
Students work in groups to draw a map of their town or neighborhood. They include their homes, major public buildings and places. Students analyze their maps from a human rights perspective.
Curated OER
Human Rights Around the World and at Home
Students research a set of statements from their worksheet. They generate a list of affirmations and abuses that are specific to their own country and ocmmunity.
Curated OER
Meeting in a Fishbowl: Consensus vs. Democracy
High schoolers analyze the democratic and consensual decision-making process. They review the distinctions between decision-making and consensus and simulate a town meeting and a tribal meeting. They select an issue and research the...
Curated OER
Constitution Word Search Puzzle
In this social studies learning exercise, students find the words that are related to the concept that is the theme of the word search puzzle.
Curated OER
America Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this influence of the Enlightenment on America study guide worksheet, students read the notes provided and add notes of their own regarding the frameworks for the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Other
U.s. Diplomatic Mission to Germany: Media in the u.s.: Freedom of the Press
Extensive government web site focusing on Freedom of the Press in American history. Many links to video, podcasts, primary documents, text, and case studies are included.
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: Freedom of the Press Around the World
Americans often take Freedom of the Press for granted, but this activity will remind students that other nations do not allow such liberal views of their press. Examine Russia, Iraq, Nigeria and other nations and evaluate the freedoms...
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Rcfp: First Amendment Handbook: Freedom of the Press
Very informative page focusing on the guidelines for freedom of the press, the first amendment. Offers examples and tenets to follow. Geared towards professionals but also accessible to students.
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...
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...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Freedom of the Press
Check out this interactive timeline on the history of freedom of press in the United States.
Other
Committee to Protect Journalists: Attacks on the Press 1999: Malaysia
A view of the authoritarian reputation of the Malaysian government as an example of the government's control of mass communications illustrated in their Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984. Read how this law is used to dominate...
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Pentagon Papers Trial
When is the freedom of the press more important than classified foreign policy information? The Pentagon Papers Trial attempts to answer this constitutional quandary. Included in this site is a summary of the trial, the actual Pentagon...