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Lesson Plans & CURRICULA

To Keep & Bear Arms: An Individual or Collective Right?
The Second Amendment states that the "right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." This seemingly unequivocal declaration, however, is rendered ambiguous by the reference to a "well regulated Militia" that precedes it. The construction of this amendment has spawned an enduring debate over whether the amendment guarantees an individual or collective right. This lesson asks students to examine landmark Supreme Court decisions and opposing interpretations of the amendment in order to facilitate comprehension of this complex issue and the develop their own reasoned positions. Click here to request a paper copy or the links below to download electronic copies.
Grades 6-8 (developed in partnership with Teacher Advisory Council member Sheryl Kabak)
Grades 9-12
 
   

What is an American? An Immigration Policy Seminar
This lesson plan features four primary sources related to immigration legislation. These documents provide the basis for a classroom activity wherein students, working in collaboration with one another, craft their own immigration policy proposals. Recommended grade levels: 9-12. Click the image at left to download the PDF or here to request a paper copy.

   

A Burning Issue: A Structured Academic Controversy Concerning Flag Desecration
This lesson challenges students to craft a compromise resolution to an ongoing debate over the constitutionality of flag burning. Click the image at left to download the PDF or here to request a paper copy.



 
   
Freedom of Speech & Press in the Information Age:
Conference Report and Lesson Plans
This report, which came out of the 2008 conference of the same name, features four high school lesson plans on the following topics: free speech on the Internet, blogs and traditional press; the Fairness Doctrine; reporting during wartime; and free speech and campaign finance reform. Click the image at left to download the PDF or
here to request a paper copy.
   
   
The Road to the White House: A Simulation of the Presidential Election
This lesson serves to illuminate the nomination process while promoting media literacy, critical evaluation of candidates and informed participation in this and future elections. Recommended grade levels: 9-12. Click the image at left to download the PDF or
here to request a paper copy.

Related Lessons:
Poll Position: Collecting & Analyzing Polling Data
Covering the Campaign Trail: Analyzing Press Coverage of Presidential Candidates

   

Faces of Freedom in American History (8.0 reading level) introduces students to Americans who exercised their First Amendment rights to preserve, defend and expand freedom. This 12-lesson curriculum will strengthen your students' understanding of their First Amendment rights and the people who have struggled to protect those freedoms.
Created in partnership with the Bill of Rights Institute, the Civics Program also offers two comprehensive curricula. Both are available as free downloads. Bound copies may be purchased for $15.95 (plus tax & shipping). Contact Courtney Brouwer for details.
Download PDF (2.3 MB)



Conflict and Continuity: The Story of American Freedom (10.5 reading level) explores the ideas that established the foundations of freedom that continue to challenge American society today. This 12-lesson curriculum uses primary source documents and content-rich background essays to demonstrate how the United States has struggled to reconcile competing rights. Created in partnership with the Bill of Rights Institute, the Civics Program also offers two comprehensive curricula. Both are available as free downloads. Bound copies may be purchased for $15.95 (plus tax & shipping). Contact Courtney Brouwer for details. Download PDF (2.6 MB)


Lessons for Late Elementary Students

Social Science
Language Arts
Science

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