Procedures

• SET UP

  This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

  You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handout and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

  You can also save and share the following Google resource for students to use with this lesson.

  Handout: Graphic Organizer (Google Doc).

  In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

• WARM UP

  Pose the following brainstorming questions to your students, directing them to record their responses in their graphic organizer, share with a partner, and then with the class if they choose.

  • What rights do student journalists have?
  • What responsibilities do student journalists have?

• ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  The primary focus of this lesson is a student-led exploration of seven essential questions related to the 1st Amendment and student journalism.

  Direct your students to choose one of the following essential questions to research in detail. Using the resources listed below, as well as through your their own research, have them provide an answer to their selected essential questions.

• Essential Question #1: What exactly does the 1st Amendment say?

  • Video Collection: Constitution Clips (C-SPAN Classroom)
  • Article: First Amendment (Legal Information Institute)

• Essential Question #2: To whom does the 1st Amendment apply?

  • Video: 1st Amendment Overview [Clip #1] (1:53)
  • Article: Freedom of Speech and the Press (National Constitution Center)

• Essential Question #3: What are the limitations of the application of the 1st Amendment for teens?

  • Videos: Morse v Frederick [Clips #2 & 3] (2 Clips)
  • Article: Do Minors Have First Amendment Rights in Schools? (American Library Association)

• Essential Question #4: What specific rights are currently being guaranteed by the 1st Amendment for teens?

  • Video: Student Journalism and First Amendment Rights [Clip #4] (3:20)
  • Article: Know Your Rights - Students’ Rights (ACLU)

• Essential Question #5: What specific responsibilities must teens follow in order to be afforded 1st Amendment protections?

  • Videos: First Amendment Rights in Schools: Free Speech [Clips #5 & 6] (2 Clips)
  • Article: Rights of Students (Free Speech Center)

• Essential Question #6: How does our school or state protect student journalists’ rights?

  • Video: Implications for Education [Clip #7] (4:47)
  • Article: Your Right to Know: Protect the rights of student journalists (Wausau Pilot & Review)
  • Search for Specific Laws in Your State
  • Search Your School District’s Code of Conduct or School Board Policies

• Essential Question #7: What are libel and slander?

  • Videos: Unprotected Speech: Defamation [Clips #8 & 9] (2 Clips)
  • Article: Libel vs. Slander: What’s The Difference? (Forbes)

• SHARE OUT

  After students have studied their selected essential questions, have them prepare a Google Slides presentation of no more than five slides to share their findings with the class.

  As your students present their findings, direct those listening to fill in the chart above for their peers' sections too.

• CLOSURE

  After your students are finished with the lesson, direct them to complete the final culminating writing prompt and have students share their responses, comparing their perspectives with their classmates' perspectives: Having learned about student journalism and the 1st amendment, describe your role as a student journalist. Be sure to include evidence from the lesson to support your response.