Our Resources

In addition to our online Exhibit Guide, the Civics program offers an array of lesson plans that can be used in conjunction with, or independently of, a Freedom Express visit. These lessons cover topics such as news literacy and current and controversial issues (e.g. gun rights, immigration and flag desecration.)

Lessons and activities specific to the Freedom Express are currently under development. Please visit the Visit Day & Onboard Experience section in our Plan For Your Visit Page to preview the onboard activity called the Student Exploration Guide.

Third Party Resources

The organizations below provide free online resources for teachers and students. These resources consist of lesson plans, newsletters, quizzes, and games for students. Click on the heading for each organization to be directed to their home page. Read the descriptions below the headings to learn about the organization, find their resources page, and see our staff's recommendations regarding these third party lessons and activities.

1 For All

1 for All is a national nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms. 1 for All provides teaching materials to the nation’s schools, supports educational events on America’s campuses and reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings. It is truly one amendment for all.

Click the ‘Teach the First Amendment’ link located on the right side of the 1 for All home page to find middle and high school lesson plans about the First Amendment and related issues.  Also on the home page, you will find the “What’s Your Freedom IQ?” quiz, which was developed by 1 for All, the First Amendment Center, and USA Today. The quiz provides brief explanations about the answer to each question, rather than simply stating whether the answer was correct or incorrect.  After taking this quiz, you can hold a class discussion about our country’s lack of civic knowledge and its impact on students’ lives and our country.

Bill of Rights Institute

Established in 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit charity focused on providing educational resources on America's Founding documents and principles for teachers and students of American History and Civics.

The ‘Resources’ tab at the top of the BRI home page contains resources for both educators and students. We recommend middle school students play the short game Life Without the Bill of Rights?  as it mostly focuses on what life would be like without the five freedoms of the First Amendment as well as the Third and Fourth Amendments. To follow-up with the game and prepare for a Freedom Express visit, we recommend facilitating a discussion with your students on their thoughts on what life would be like without the First Amendment. Since it may be difficult for some students to understand a world without freedoms, it may be helpful to share and neutrally discuss news articles regarding governments that censor the press and internet, forbid religious practice and expression, do not allow people to ask the government for changes, etc.

Constitutional Rights Foundation

Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) is a non-profit, non-partisan, community-based organization that seeks to instill in our nation's youth a deeper understanding of citizenship through values expressed in our Constitution and its Bill of Rights and to educate young people to become active and responsible participants in our society. CRF is dedicated to assuring our country's future by investing in our youth today.  

 Hover over the ‘free lessons’ tab on the top of CRF home page, and then click on “Bill of Rights in Action.” To find lessons specific to the First Amendment, click on the red “”U.S. Government” link at the top of the page, then click on the red link titled “1st.”

iCivics

iCivics (formerly Our Courts) is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy through the pedagogy of gaming. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support.

iCivics, a free resource for teachers and students, has ready to use standards based lesson plans which are aligned to state standards. The lesson plans take very little effort on the part of the teacher and the games are fun and engaging for students. These lessons can also be given to a substitute teacher to implement in your classroom.  Additionally, teachers can utilize the site to create discussion forums and track content for student completion.