The Five Freedoms in Action
Students will be introduced to the five freedoms of the First Amendment and see how these freedoms make possible many activities in daily life. They’ll gain an understanding of when and by whom the freedoms can be limited — and when limits would violate the First Amendment.
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Grades 10-12
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Grades 7-9
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Grades 4-6
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Related resources
For Our Freedoms, Age Is Just a Number
These brave kids harnessed their First Amendment power to make themselves heard, seen and recognized.
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How I Exercised My Rights as a Student Journalist
How one student journalist used his First Amendment freedoms to speak up and get a bill passed in Hawaii to protect student press rights.
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The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms, but do you know which First Amendment protections apply in various situations? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.
Related lesson plans
Freedom of Assembly
Students will learn about why freedom of assembly is important now and throughout U.S. history. They’ll explore the ways in which the government can restrict freedom of assembly, depending on where and when it occurs. And they’ll see examples of limits on assembly that violate First Amendment rights.
A Free Press
Students will learn how freedom of the press supports many types of content. They’ll explore key functions of the press as a check on the government and how technology has changed the way people consume media. They’ll practice identifying types of journalism based on each type’s approach and purpose.