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Lesson Plan

Franklin’s Fair Hand American Journalism

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This Franklin’s Fair Hand American Journalism lesson plan also includes:

Scholars know him for his role in the American Revolution, but Ben Franklin was also a journalist and printer. Learners investigate his standards for what was fit to print using primary sources—including writings where Franklin explains what he thinks is fit to print—and collaborative learning. The resource suggests options for extending the learning by researching the Peter Zenger case.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Concepts
journalism, journalism ethics, benjamin franklin, early american history, american history, the writing process, the american revolution, primary source analysis, the first amendment, editorials, editorial writing
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Additional Tags
social studies
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Instructional Ideas
  • Ask students to debate the ethics of various journalistic scenarios using Ben Franklin's standards
  • Extend the activity by asking class members to research other journalism controversies
Classroom Considerations
  • Part of a larger series that explores Ben Franklin and his ideas
Pros
  • Resource is ready to use, with all pieces necessary to implement
  • Activities employ a variety of modalities including small groups, independent investigation and more
  • Use of primary sources and discussion allows for an interdisciplinary opportunity
Cons
  • None