The Civil War spurred inventions and innovations that moved America into the industrial age, transformed naval warfare, and called for new modes of leadership.

Photography can be a cross-disciplinary tool for verbal literacy development, aesthetic and technical visual literacy instruction, and a study of the human condition.

The Declaration of Independence and First Amendment. Boston Tea Party and Tea Party movement. Resurrection City and Occupy K Street. Through solitary pleas, marches, sit-ins and protests at home and in D.C., Americans have demonstrated they have the right to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Their causes have encompassed all sides of the social, economic and political spectrum — taxes, suffrage, civil rights, wars, more government and less government involvement.

Since their rights to voice opposition and to seek change have limits, the parties involved have sought a balance between practicing guaranteed rights and protecting the public safety, security and order.

At the one-year anniversary of the Arab Spring, protests, armed revolts, government uncertainties and first elections are taking place across North Africa and the Middle East. This tumultuous change was activated by one man’s act of self-immolation.

Activities in this guide cross disciplines to study protests at home and around the world. Resources include a vocabulary development, study questions, and two lessons written by a Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project fellow. Post reprints provide news, commentary, editorial cartoons, maps and informational graphics. Two e-Replica suggested activities in this guide focus on researching global protests and evaluating Occupy D.C. coverage.

The qualities that define leaders are ageless yet refined each generation. The census, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and gerrymandering impact elections every ten years.

As explorers discovered new plants, they brought back drawings, specimens and seeds. Today, these once-exotic edibles are part of our daily lives as we stop at the grocery store, the coffee shop and nursery. Activities in this guide encourage interdisciplinary lessons in botany, nutrition, art, mathematics and community engagement.

The 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Japan impacted thousands and challenges accepted theories and practices. These include plate tectonics activity, construction methods, energy and fuel provisions, effective communication, economic and human resilience, and disaster preparedness. Suggested activities in this guide include studies of the stock market, nuclear reactors and tectonic plates. Informational graphics of maps, pie charts and illustrations are incorporated into lessons. In the midst of physical destruction, the human story cannot be lost: thousands have perished and relief workers seek survivors, residents without homes live in shelters and seek necessities, and many near and far from nuclear reactors face contamination of water and food.

The most populated country in the world, The People’s Republic of China is a fascinating mix of history, geography, culture and demography. Activities and reprinted Post editorial, commentary, articles and photography focus on modern China — its social, economic, political, scientific and technological dimensions — against the backdrop of its heritage.

The business side of producing a newspaper is discussed in "INSIDE Journalism: Keep the 'Ad'itude." Students are asked to classify advertisements as display or classified and to critique their effectiveness as consumer communication and as works of art. Randy Mays answers questions in "Meet the Ad Designer." Ad design artist Donna McCullough reveals the steps involved in creating a display ad in "The Making of a (Fake) Ad." Students are given guidelines to produce their own ads in "How to Design a Display Ad." "A Changing Community, A Changing Role" takes a look at Janet Cooke and one of the darkest chapters in Post history. Music censorship is the lesson focus of "You and Your Rights." Vocabulary and resources are included.

Study of arthropods and recent insect infestations has many interdisciplinary expressions. Beginning with observation and research, students may engage in scientific and journalistic writing and the creation of field guides, wanted posters and display cases. Post article reprints focus on bedbugs, stink bugs, beetles, borers and ants.

As the United States commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, reflection on the causes and consequences, people and events involved, and impact on culture, technology, economy, and legal and social dimensions of the nation takes place. In addition to selected reprints from The Washington Post, this guide provides resources, vocabulary, study questions and a wide variety of suggested activities: a Lincoln quiz, personality and technology research projects, and a business-related advertising study. One project combines the research of Civil War personalities, creation of timelines and sending tweets.

The national initiative to combat childhood obesity is the catalyst for articles and activities in this guide. News coverage of the kick-off and subsequent actions provides the public with information to evaluate the decisions of officials, to educate about health and nutrition, and to change behavior. Teachers will find activities in which comparsion and contrast can be used for before-and-after evaluation, style analysis and media assessment.

Advertisements highlight products, services and a corporation’s community involvement. Readers learn about the latest styles, sales and social issues. Suggested activities in this guide introduce the different types and purposes of ads and provide resources to evaluate, write and design ads. Legal and public notices provide a glimpse of economic and social conditions in a society. In Meet the Ad Manager, Carolyn Monroe provides insight into another career option.

The family stories that are passed from one generation to the next, those that are created within a family and those that are shared with a wider readership entertain, inform and educate. Activities in this guide provide approaches for collecting, composing and comprehending personal narratives. Two reprinted First Person Singular narratives capture the voices of their subjects and serve as models for young writers seeking family stories. Post articles relate family survival stories — a Suitland teenager with an injured heart, Haitian families living in a tent city, Afghani sisters seeking an American education, and a child of the “disappeared” redefining love.

Reading the Sunday Washington Post expands horizons, informs and provides educators with material to use in every classroom. Highlights and activities in this guide cover each section of the Sunday Post. They include the ethics of decisions made in selecting photographs for publication, using Dr. Gridlock’s tips, exploring the business side of the Olympics and writing for different audiences.

They entertain, educate and provoke you. An American art form, ranging from panels to continuity strips, comics provide storytelling and self-expression. A crossword puzzle, activity sheets and the works of Herblock, Tom Toles and Ann Telnaes are in this guide. Work on symbolism, syndication and freedom of expression add depth the study of comics.

This online guide is composed of previous and new activities for incorporating the Washington Post e-Replica Edition into the classroom. An exact digital copy of the newspaper accessed online with a password, the e-Replica may be read at school, at home, wherever there is an Internet connection. The activities in this collection apply to many disciplines. In addition to the reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking skills that are exercised using The Washington Post, the e-Replica Edition utilizes technology and electronic information gathering skills.

Students examine the right to vote and from whom this right may be taken. Voting patterns of American voters in presidential and off-year congressional races are studied and used in planning a mayoral campaign that will increase voter turnout. Commentary by former president Jimmy Carter focuses attention on the conducting of elections, in particular those in Florida. Two political cartoons by Post editorial cartoonist Tom Toles stimulates discussion of the role of media in campaigns. After reading a Post article, students discuss the eligibility of individuals with dementia to vote. Online resources, books to read, a word find and vocabulary are provided.

Editorial cartoonists provide a visual commentary on the current events, policies and issues that confront government officials and citizens. They provide an engaging means to study American history, allusions and personification, and art techniques. This guide features 16 of Herblock’s more than 14,000 cartoons for study in history, art, journalism and English classes — and by all who engage in civic discourse. Current events and history influenced the work of Herblock; he also exercised an influence on events as they unfolded. During a time when newspapers are letting go of their staff editorial cartoonists, it is important for society to re-examine the important role that insightful and observant cartoonists play in a democracy and a free press.

The sea is a place of solitary joy and stormy waters, maker of mayhem and source of mystery, a haven and home to plants and animals. In “The Sea — Rich and Strange” changes are reported in Post articles, editorial and graphics. Science, art, home economics and economics lessons include study questions, a herbarium mount, a cake to bake and maps to explore. Concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, scarcity, and supply and demand impact the debate between livelihood and protecting the natural environment of the sea. E-replica activities focus on the Contents, Calendar and Search features.

Ethical, legal, business, cultural and societal issues related to using social networking technology are covered in this guide. Post articles and suggested activities cover a variety of social networking topics — blogs and micro-blogs, digital gaming and netiquette, benefactors and imposters, texting and sexting, and personal and business communication. Internet safety and test-taking practice are combined in “You and Gaming” for younger students. Student activities cover business and marketing applications of social networking by educators and students, cartoonists and technology firms.

The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. was not its first nor its last, but it was the one that preserved the Greek-influence on the arts and culture of the Roman Empire. This guide provides close reading activities using The Post review of the National Gallery of Art Pompeii exhibit and a travel article, a Road Trip of mosaics in the D.C. area, and an art project to make mosaics using patterns found in the excavations of Pompeii. An e-Replica worksheet is provided.

The 2008 presidential election is a time of historic decisions and new approaches. History will be made as either an African American is president or a female is vice president of the U.S. It is also a turning point in new uses of technology by candidates to attract donors, to communicate their message and to organize campaign workers and by media and citizens to examine financial contributions and to fact check the candidates.

Staying safe and keeping fit requires healthy decisions about the foods you eat, the exercise you get and the precautions you take. In this first of two NIE guides to feature fitness, Post reprints cover and the suggested activities focus on: Keeping safe while involved in sports activities, making the right food selections at home and school, enacting legislation and guidelines for healthier students and knowing what’s recommended to be healthy at each stage of life.

The primaries and the party conventions that nominate the 2008 Republican and Democratic candidates for president provide an array of opportunities to meet the people who want to be the next president and to focus on the issues that are important to individuals and the country. Reprints of Washington Post articles put into perspective summer’s nominating conventions (“The Ballot Brawl of 1924”), campaigning (“Permanent Campaign?”), the first woman to win a presidential primary (“The Force of Gender”), race in America (“Obama Urges U.S.: ‘Move Beyond Our Old Racial Wounds’”) and Internet influence (“Campaign.USA”). The Washington Post editorial cartoonist Tom Toles has used his pen and wit to provide visual commentary on the candidates, election process and issues. Twenty of his commentaries are included in this guide to give a visual timeline, to highlight events and issues during the race toward nomination, to stimulate discussion and to inspire students to create their own images.

Informational graphics communicate information quickly and accurately, explain complex ideas, and draw the reader into text. The Washington Post News Art department produces thousands of artworks each year — the maps, charts and informational graphics that help readers comprehend stories. Examples, activities and an interview with a graphics editor are provided to inspire projects, stimulate visual acuity and introduce career opportunities.

All students should experience art — as producers, viewers and critics. Students create an artwork after reading about animals; attend an art exhibit to collect data and to evaluate works of American and international artists; and produce their own exhibit. The suggested activities and student handouts in this guide utilize KidsPost, Style & Arts and Weekend sections of The Washington Post. Activities include viewing parts of a work and completing a zigsaw puzzle to develop observation skills, writing a review, wall text and a press release, and reading about art and artists.

World and local leaders, celebrities and the kid across the aisle — all have the potential to amuse, instruct, exasperate and inspire you. They can be the subject of an article, a feature, a short story, play or poem. In this guide we focus on Washington Post columns (Life Is Short, A Local Life), obituaries, and KidsPost mini-profiles. This guide includes a biography project with five parts: research an American, write a news story, present an oral report, make a puppet and entertain parents in character. Bart Barnes gives a first-person account of being an obit writer at The Post.

Bullies are a safety and health threat to more than three million school children annually. This lesson addresses ways to confront bullies, stop bullies and communicate the facts about bullying. Past Post articles, including two from KidsPost are included. A survey for administration to students and class discussion will give insight into your students awareness of and experience with bullies. “Bully for You!” covers etymology and changing language. You and Your Rights focuses on two Supreme Court cases that considered student-on-student and adult-on-student bullying.

As the D.C. area grows and looks eastward to expand, the area that was first settled by native inhabitants becomes the focus of waterfront redevelopment. Students are challenged to consider water quality, manmade pollution and potential to transform our neglected “other river” into a source of vitality and recreation. Maps of the Anacostia River and articles from the Post July 2004 five-part series on the Anacostia River Waterfront Initiative are provided to give background for students to propose their own waterfront design. The Law and Order section features an introduction to judicial activism and Justice William O. Douglas. In 1954, Justice Douglas challenged Post editors to walk the length of the C&O Canal. Students are asked to read his letter to the editor and evaluate its persuasiveness.

From 1965-1990, the pursuit of a better life, integrity and outer space shaped modern D.C. As the nation celebrated its 200th birthday, many firsts were taking place as the Metrorail opened, man orbited the earth then walked on the moon, and Walter Washington was elected mayor of D.C. Through local history activities, students are encouraged to research the story of one building in their community. "New Explorers" introduces students to four astronauts who went to school in the D.C. area. "The First Draft of History" focuses on the integrity of the White House and the Washington Post's challenge to be a monitor of power. Thirty years after the Watergate break-in, hearings and resignation of President Nixon, what lessons should we still learn? Law and Order activities present a 1982 Supreme Court case, Plyler v. Doe, that asks whether the state has a responsibility to educate the children of illegal immigrants.

In the midst of a booming economy, the nation's capital was faced with a challenge to segregation that was practiced in its customs and laws. Activities and resources are provided in this guide to study the social, historic and legal context, Supreme Court decisions and aftermath of Brown v. Board of Education. Daily life is presented in Q&A, the illustrated history of D.C., and "Inspired or Accidental Inventions?" "Map It" provides a map reading exercise and a look at the growth of the D.C. area by 1965. Historic context and a reading comprehension exercise are available in "Sputnik First in Space." Use the May 18, 1954, Washington Post and Times Herald coverage of the Court's decisions, articles from KidsPost and graphics with younger and older students to give social and historic context to a study of Brown. "Law and Order" provides a legal background on Brown and introduces students to Thurgood Marshall, first African American Supreme Court justice who was dedicated to the law and Constitution.

The 1920s and 1930s were decades of development, daring and dangers, and the D.C. Renaissance during which writers, musicians and artists were a significant part of D.C. life. This guide provides introductions to the arts, media, technology and politics of two decades. Patterson Clark's "A New Day" illustrates scenes of D.C., including Grace Colidge and her pet raccoon. "Map It" highlights West Potomac Park, population growth and advances in transportation as students practice their map reading and interpretation skills. The "Q and A" focuses on aviation developments, many of which have a D.C. connection. Art and music played significant roles whether in the emerging galleries, the Art Deco influence or the D.C. Renaissance. "What Is Art Deco?" covers the basics of the architectural and design style. "Art Deco Drive" encourages students to visit Art Deco structures that remain in our area. "U Street: The Place To Be" introduces students to key people and places in the D.C. Renaissance as they locate addresses on a map, and two other reproducibles introduce students to a young Langston Hughes in D.C. and key features of the D.C. Renaissance. "Law and Order" looks at the constitution amendment process through the 19th amendment's passage. The "First Draft of History," sidebars and extension activities enrich the suggested activities in the teacher's section of the guide.

Turn-of-the-century D.C. reflected the industrial revolution's improvements in transportation, art movements and the changing lifestyles of Americans. As the city closed the open sewer that the Washington Canal had become and paved some streets, an aesthetic sense was expressed in its bridges and the creation of Potomac Park. "A Wildlife Sculptor and a Tale of Three Bridges" gives the story of Alexander Phimister Proctor and his work in D.C. "Map It" highlights the new bridges, radiating trolley lines and new communities. Patterson Clark's illustration focuses on dress, children and the street scene at the turn of the 20th century. A map of downtown D.C. in 1886 is provided on which to plot businesses mentioned in a fictitious, though accurate, letter written in 1902. Two timelines give perspective on world events and American businesses, including toy manufacturing. "The First Draft of History" provides the Virginian-Pilot and Washington Post coverage of the Wright Brothers' flight for comparison and a check on accuracy. "1902 Year of the Teddy Bear" is a visual literacy activity using Clifford Berryman's editorial cartoon that began the teddy bear craze. "I.D. the Trademarks" can be used as in introduction to the Law and Order lesson or the Stock Market Game. Why have these businesses survived since the turn-of-the-century and others disappeared? "Law and Order" explains patents and trademarks, from the first trademark law passed in 1881 to today in concise language. "Be Inventive" is a product development and trademark activity. Sidebars provide resources for field trips, children's toys and literature of the period, art movements and lifestyle, and vocabulary.

Fourth of nine once-a-month guides that feature an illustrated segment of the history of the Washington area, Technology Shapes The Capital City focuses on the developments in transportation and communication that influenced the commercial and population growth of the Washington area. The illustration, map and Q&A present antebellum Washington. Through the timelines and activities, students are introduced to the era of canals and steamboats along the Potomac and the first railroads. "A Walk Through Time" introduces the federal period in Georgetown and can be used as a model for a walking tour of students? neighborhoods. "First Draft of History" introduces the penny press and newspapers in D.C., 1800-1860. The crossword puzzle features transportation in the early 1800s.

Third of nine once-a-month guides that feature an illustrated segment of the history of the Washington area, Capital Created focuses on laying the foundation for a city and nation in Washington, D.C. The illustration, map and Q&A present the original boundary lines, government buildings, bridges and canal. Reproducibles are provided to study spanning the Potomac River, the Battle of Bladensburg and attacks on Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Transportation from 1700-1850 is considered in "Getting Around in Dust, Over Rocks and Across Rivers." In "The First Draft of History," a 2003 Supreme Court decision is the news peg to illustrate how reporters include history in their coverage to relate current events. "Law and Order: The Foundation" introduces Marbury v. Madison and establishment of judicial review. A timeline for 1750-1850 and academic content standards are included

First Towns, second of nine once-a-month guides that feature an illustrated segment of the history of the Washington area, focuses on European exploration and settlement along the Potomac River. Resources are provided to research explorations of North America, 1600 - 1750, or for younger students to do a word find. The illustration, map and Q&A focus on the first European settlements in this D.C. area: Alexandria, Georgetown and Bladensburg. Students learn about the first printing presses and newspapers in the colonies in "The First Draft of History." Government under British rule and colonial legal systems is introduced in "Law and Order: British Rules and Colonial Acts." Two timelines for 1600 - 1750 and academic content standards are included.

Our First Families is the first of nine once-a-month guides that feature an illustrated segment of the history of the Washington area. The era of the Algonquian-speaking people who settled on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers before 1400 is studied through a Q and A, developed with Post editor and writer Fred Barbash, watercolors and engravings of the late 1500s and the work of Post artist Patterson Clark. A timeline, map of the area in 1600, and "Mamonotowick, Weroances and the People" can be used for cross-disciplinary activities. A crossword puzzle featuring Algonquian words and culture and academic content standards are also provided.

Opinion can be expressed without the confines of language when presented in editorial cartoons. "INSIDE Journalism: Editorial Cartoons," takes a closer look at Herblock, Toles and the art of the visual commentator. Works of Herblock and Toles are reproduced for use in art, history or journalism classes. "Who Was Herblock?" and "Meet the Editorial Cartoonist" bring The Post's editorial cartoonists up front and close. Students are guided to produce their own visual commentary in "How to Draw an Editorial Cartoon" and "The Mechanics of Editorial Cartooning." "You and Your Rights" gives the basics on libel and trademark laws as they apply to editorial cartooning. "A Changing Community, A Changing Role" highlights editorial cartoonists at The Post and "They Had Something to Say" is a research activity. Resources and vocabulary are included.

The news photograph provides the focus for an examination of the ethics of digital manipulation. Students learn about The Washington Post photography staff and meet award-winning photographer Dayna Smith. Reproducibles include "How to Write a Cutline" and "Should They Manipulate Photographs?" The You and Your Rights lesson gives both artistic and ethical perspective in "The Ethics of Photo Manipulation: Does the Picture Help Tell the Story?" Cartoonist Clifford Berryman and his teddy bear are featured in the history of The Washington Post, 1901-1916. Vocabulary and Web resources are given.

The 2002 election provides the faces and facts from which students can examine American citizens' involvement in the democratic process, the law-making process, and the power and influence that comes with control of Congress. "You Read It In the Post," "Strange But True," and activities provide for a study of the 2002 campaign and election results. The KidsPost articles and this guide's activities suggest different approaches to further study of the Congress as a legislative body. Also included are math problems, Web resources, vocabulary and "Word Study, " A Look at Congress."

"Ancient Civilizations in Today's World" focuses on the remnants of ancient civilizations found on our dinner plates and in our architecture. After developing a working definition of "civilization," students read the KidsPost article for traces of ancient civilizations alive in today's world. The word find asks students to locate foods that originated in China and Central Asia and "Word Study" looks at fruits eaten by ancient civilizations. The consumer math problem asks students to buy ingredients for a Roman meal. Want to focus on architecture instead of food? Use the reproducible, "The Lincoln Memorial-A Greek Temple?" To discuss historic, social and architectural decisions in aesthetics, use "Lincoln Memorial: A Closer Look."