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Duration
More than 90 minutes
Topic(s)
  • Civil Rights
  • Constitution
  • Current Events
  • Women's Rights
Grade(s)
  • 7-12

(Note: For more support, see expanded procedure in downloadable lesson plan.)

  1. In advance, review the sample worksheet at the end of the downloadable lesson packet.
  2. With students, review the First Amendment, discuss each freedom and explain how groups have been able to use these freedoms to try to change our nation’s laws.
  3. Divide the class into six groups, assign each a case study from "The Freedom to Make a Change Posters" on NewseumED's Pinterest board, and have them complete Part I of The Freedom to Make a Change worksheet.
  4. Have each group summarize Part I and discuss what each group learned.
  5. Ask the class if each of their case studies were successful.
  6. Then have each group complete Part II and revise the action plan of the group they studied.

  • The Freedom to Make a Change worksheet (download), one per student
  • First Amendment Basics handout (optional, download)
  • Internet access to view NewseumED's Pinterest board

Students present their plans to the class and discuss the changes they would have made to improve the results of the group they studied. Prompts include:

  • Does your revised plan use the same First Amendment freedoms as in the original case study? Are they used in the same ways?
  • Which of your changes do you think would have the greatest impact, and why?
  • What obstacles do you think your revised plan would face if you could travel back in time and attempt to enact it? Would you be able to overcome these obstacles? If so, how? If not, why not?

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