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Home > What Is “Free Speech” and Why Does It Matter? > What Is Free Speech and Why Does It Matter?
MYSTERY

What Is Free Speech and Why Does It Matter?

K-5
One class period
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Learning Objectives

  • Describe the First Amendment 
  • Identify key details in a text 
  • Explain three types of protected free speech
  • Use reasoning to answer the question: “What is ‘free speech’ and why does it matter?”
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Overview

Historians provide evidence. In this lesson, students will explore the importance of free speech in American society by analyzing the words of the 1st Amendment, learning new vocabulary, reading an overview of the history of the 1st Amendment, and looking at four key reasons why free speech is important in the United States. They will be able to provide evidence to answer the mystery question: "What is free speech and why does it matter?"

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Pedagogy Tags
ELA/Literacy
Inquiry-based
Primary Source
Vocabulary
Writing
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What Is “Free Speech” and Why Does It Matter?

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