Curated OER
Freedom Fighters
Students research different branches and special units of the United States military. They create and present performances that synthesize their research and demonstrate their understanding about the roles that these groups play in...
Stanford University
Lesson Plan: The Children's Crusade and the Role of Youth in the African American Freedom Struggle
Young people played significant roles in the Civil Rights movement. Class members examine the contributions of Barbara Johns, Claudette Colvin, Mary Louise Smith, and the children of Birmingham,...
Curated OER
ACLU
Is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) good for America? The informative website is a one-stop shop for ACLU debate resources. Scholars read about the topics surrounding the issue, including free speech, national security, and...
Smithsonian Institution
Eastern Indian Wars
Many know that Native Americans were forced off their lands and moved west, but how did these people react? The Red Sticks faction of the Creek nation opted to defend themselves and their lands in a series of wars called the Eastern...
Curated OER
Freedom of the Press Around the World
Students research press freedoms in various countries such as Iran and North Korea. They create a freedom of the press report card for the countries examined.
Curated OER
Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?
Students define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments and...
Curated OER
The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Students analyze the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Alien Act and the Sedition Acts. Students examine Supreme Court...
Curated OER
Declaring Freedom
Ninth graders study the sections of the Declaration of Independence. In this American Government instructional activity, 9th graders participate in a weekly discussion board. Students create a multimedia project to...
Curated OER
Introducing the 1981 United Nations Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Students examine the United Nations Declaraction on Freedom of Religion and Beliefs. As a class, they distinguish between the definitions of worship, observance, practice and teaching. In groups, they evaluate the definitions of...
Curated OER
Which Freedom?
Fourth graders choose on the freedoms in the Bill of Rights and research it on the internet. They answer specific questions using their research and produce a written document using a computer.
Curated OER
Exploring the 1981 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
Students are introduced to the United Nations Declaraion on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerence and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. Using the document, they discuss issues raised about the source of rights linked...
Curated OER
Ho Chi Minh and Freedom of Speech
Students explore freedom of speech. Individually, they complete a K-W-L chart. Students participate in a "Stand If You Can" activity where they make statements regarding the freedom of speech. Students stand if they agree with the...
Curated OER
Freedom to Worship
Students investigate reasons why people sought freedom to worship in the United States and some of the difficulties and issues facing them in their immigration. As immigrants, they write letters to family members in the old country.
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,...
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...
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.
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
Introduction to American Literature
Students 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
High schoolers explore religious expression in the United States. In this religious freedom instructional activity, students read a handout regarding Religious Freedom Day and other handouts regarding religious expression in public...
Curated OER
American Heritage Themes
Students explore American freedom, unity, progress, and responsibility. In this American history instructional activity, students discuss what it means to be an American as they reflect on contributions of noteworthy Americans and write...
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 activity, 8th graders watch "Frist Nations: The Unbroken Circle," and then discuss the negotiations that took place between the Nisga'a people and...