As part of a study of the First Amendment, young historians research instances when individuals or groups used the First Amendment to change the United State's laws or policies. Teams are each assigned a different case study. With the help of "The Freedom to Make a Change" worksheet, they analyze their case study to determine which of the five freedoms was used, how it was used, and whether or not the individual or group in the case study was successful. After discussing their case with the whole class, groups reconvene and rewrite history by coming up with a revised plan that would have a better outcome.

Concepts

making change, the first amendment, freedoms, social activism, social awareness, social injustice, civil rights, the civil rights act of 1964, the civil rights movement

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Instructional Ideas

• As homework before the lesson, have class members review the "First Amendment Basics" handout
• Project the sample worksheet as a model

Classroom Considerations

• Groups need access to computers with internet
• Requires copies of "The Freedom to Make a Change" worksheet and the "First Amendment Basics" handout

Pros

• The 1963 March on Washington is used as an example

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.3 CCRA.SL.1