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.

Letters to the Editor provide a brief and effective forum for citizens to express their views. Students employ their skills of comprehension, analysis, comparison, synthesis, and persuasion through reading and writing letters to the editor. They may also be used to understand attitudes of the past.

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.

Third parties, interest groups and political movements add to the debate of issues, influence policy decisions and reflect the attitudes of citizens. This guide provides activities to examine their role and the impact of the Tea Party movement, interest group funding and the media itself on the 2010 campaigns and elections. Suggested activities incorporate Post news coverage, commentaries, editorial cartoons and graphics. Students are also guided to create a third party.

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.

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.

As illustrated in On the Brink found in this guide, the Washington region has its share of endangered and threatened species. Current Post coverage, activities and resources for further examination are provided. Suggested activities include personal, state and government involvement. Case studies ask students to focus on the different points of view and policies influencing species on the brink.

In a democracy, the president and his appointed officials provide leadership, set policies, give direction and carry out initiatives for the common good. The First 100 Days of an administration are examined, especially in the times of economic crises and war, for evidence of success in addressing public need, in laying the foundation for policies and communicating with Congress and the public. Activities and resources in this guide cover the executive branch. Students chart the Cabinet and conduct a “Bureaucracy Scavenger Hunt.” Students of all ages are encouraged to collect photographs from the pages of The Post to illustrate concepts that form the foundation of our democracy. News and Style section articles, an editorial and Bob Woodward commentary, and a Sally Jenkins column are reprinted.

The Constitution provides the framework for the inauguration of a president, but the individual adds his own mark on the ceremony, expresses his philosophy in his address and begins his legacy that may impact the lives of future generations and the character of American society. In this NIE guide, teachers will find resources and worksheets to guide annotation of past presidents’ and Obama’s 2009 addresses, to report on Inauguration Day, to study Lincoln’s legacy and to test one’s knowledge of past inaugurations. Reprinted Post articles cover the Lincoln-Obama connection, the role of the speechwriter, Lincoln’s cottage and conservation of artifacts, another dimension of preserving a legacy.

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.

Debate trains students to look at all sides of an issue, to examine complex ideas and to develop oral, research and critical thinking skills. Debate is intrinsic to American culture, from debating societies to Lincoln-Douglas debates and televised debates of candidates for president. Activities in this guide include a Socratic seminar, analysis of a televised debate and an in-class debate. The Washington Post provides resources to use with the suggested activities — a Tom Toles editorial cartoon, guest commentary, movie review and two articles covering Campaign 2008.

The commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America provides lessons in survival and death, cooperation and conflict, culture and archaeology, government and independent spirits. This second of a two-part Jamestown at 400 guide provides Washington Post articles, illustrated bio of a young Jamestown settler, an archaeologist’s profile, and suggested activities for a study of Jamestown, yesterday and today. Articles can be categorized under four main themes: The convergence of three cultures, the invention of America, the realities of survival and daily life, and the significant contributions of archaeology in understanding the Jamestown settlement and its inhabitants.

The commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America provides lessons in survival and death, cooperation and conflict, government and independent spirits. This first of a two-part Jamestown at 400 guide provides Washington Post articles, editorial cartoon, maps, illustrated Godspeed, and suggested activities for a study of Jamestown, yesterday and today. Read about and discuss the recreation of Virginia Algonquian, tobacco as the seed of empire and vice, and travel along the James River.

On Dec. 26, 2006, Betty Ford released in a written statement the “difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, has passed away at 93 years of age.” In the days that followed, the family — and the nation — would mourn and remember the 38th president of the United States, the longest living and the only one not to be elected to the presidency or the vice presidency. The personal choices and traditional ceremonies that compose the final farewell to an American President are presented in this guide through a sampling of Washington Post coverage of the state funeral, timeline and photographs. The impact of Gerald Ford, the individual who held the office, is reflected in columns and letters to the editor. Activities are suggested and additional resources are provided.

After a review of hurricane basics and the historic Atlantic hurricane season, teachers may use KidsPost and Washington Post articles to discuss the influence of tropical storms and hurricanes at the personal, media, business and government levels. Washington Post articles, suggested activities, reproducibles, a crossword puzzle and other resources are provided in this guide.

In March 2005, the Supreme Court held that the death penalty was unconstitutional as applied to juveniles. As the Court composition changes in late 2005, how might future rulings on issues concerning juveniles be modified? This guide considers the relationships and interests of the court system, law enforcement, news media and the public when juvenile justice is addressed. Washington Post articles from KidsPost, the Outlook section and excerpts from Metro and news sections and an ombudsman column are provided to stimulate discussion and to give examples. A background sheet and suggested activities present Roper v. Simmons, the most recent Court decision concerning juvenile offenders. Vocabulary and suggested additional reading are included.

Whether a classic, a family favorite or a recent release, books can influence the lives of young readers. This guide offers KidsPost and Post articles, activities and resources to encourage your students to be readers, examines propaganda and sweepstakes, and provides an introduction to Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District v. Pico (1982). Post writer Michael Farquhar explores the use of propaganda in children’s literature in a KidsPost article. Middle school and older students can explore the use of sweepstakes to promote products aimed at children in Caroline Mayer’s “Young Eyes on the Prize.” Background information on a Supreme Court decision prepares students to role play, making decisions about school library content and acquisitions.

Whether in the Cradle of Civilization or an emerging democracy, voters are rejecting fear and choosing freedom. Students examine the force of freedom found in voting and its impact of various forms of government, a diverse religious and ethnic population, and economic, social and political forces without and within a country. The articles from The Post and activities in Force of Freedom can be used to focus on one country—Iraq—for its current events, recent election and its history as a cradle of civilization and center of learning. Get a perspective on Iraq in the reportage of Anthony Shadid, in the Q and A with Rajiv Chandrasekaran, and maps and infographics created by the Post staff. Journalism students can use Shadid’s ledes as stylistic models. “You and Your Rights” activities compare democracies around the world and debate compulsory voting. The suggested activities lend themselves to discussion and debate, to mathematics, theatre and art projects, and to interviewing and desktop publishing.

Long Arms of the Law focuses on the judicial branch of U.S. government — the role of the Supreme Court and attributes of its justices. Suggested readings and activities are appropriate for grades 4-12. Several variations are suggested for using “Giving Order to Important U.S. Supreme Court Cases,” a timeline activity utilizing seven significant cases. The history and notable judges of the Court are the subjects of one quiz; law clerks and procedures are the subjects of another. Two commentaries from The Post provide perspectives on the current Court’s balance and the justices’ roles in interpreting the law. Resources for writing the profile of the perfect Supreme Court nominee include profiles of the current justices, a chart of the role of the Court and Web sites.

In order to become informed participants in a democracy, students should learn about the women and men who make decisions concerning their lives. The president of the United States and the Cabinet that he appoints are such people in the executive branch. Through Washington Post articles and activities using “Cabinets of President George W. Bush,” students are introduced to members of the Cabinet and their roles. David Broder’s commentary “Tight Little Cabinet” provides stimulus for an evaluation of Cabinet members. “Spotlight on the Attorney General’s Role” gives historic perspective, current expectation and an activity focusing on a current issue. Quiz your students’ knowledge using “White House Families” and “Presidential Trivia.” Read a review of presidential memoirs, “All the Presidents’Books,” or select a book to read from suggestions.

Should the Electoral College Count? Six weeks after voters have indicated their choice for president and vice president, electors meet to cast their ballots. Through activities in this guide students review why the writers of the U.S. Constitution devised the Electoral College and evaluate if electors are still necessary. In addition to a brief history of the Electoral College, factual information includes “Electoral Votes in Proportion,” a map; “Distribution of Electoral College Votes,” a chart; and “How the Electoral College Works,” a Post graphic. As students evaluate the electoral system and contemplate alternative approaches, they have three opinion pieces to stimulate discussion: “The Non-College Try,” a Washington Post editorial; “Improve on Red vs. Blue,” a commentary by Post columnist William Raspberry; and “Repair the Electoral College,” by guest columnist Peter Shane.

In “What Determines Election Outcomes?” students examine the influence of the 2000 presidential election results, political parties, issues and campaign advertising. Excerpts from David Von Drehle’s Washington Post Magazine article begin a look at the changing face of America’s political parties. Elie Wiesel in “Mean Season” asks readers to question the tone of campaign rhetoric. An editorial cartoon by Tom Toles gives students visual commentary on the battleground states, media coverage and their influence on the election. Data from the 2000 presidential election, current campaign advertising targets and costs and Web resources are provided. Reproducibles to accompany activities include “Analysis of Campaign Advertisements,” “ Where They Stand,” and “Whose Vote Really Counts?” After a study of the battleground states, students are asked to predict the election winners, and, after Nov. 2, to determine the 2008 swing states. A First Ladies quiz puts the focus temporarily on the other running mate in today’s campaigns.

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.

An interview with White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer is the stimulus to discuss career choices. In addition to Fleischer?s Q and A, "Meet the Press" and "The Press Secretary" give perspective on working at the White House. "Official Words" and "White House Terms" provide vocabulary. Students consider their interests as they complete "Classified: Jobs for Me." "Census Counts," a fact sheet provides data from the 2000 census to use with the worksheet "We Are in the Numbers." Other reproducibles and resources provide further study of employment.

"INSIDE Journalism: Composing Columns" provides insight and how-to information to better express one's views, using the work of columnists as models. Finding one's voice is the underlying theme of the activities. Marc Fisher, one of many voices in the columns published in The Washington Post, explains the role of a newspaper columnist, tells about his writing process and shares a column written just for KidsPost. Reproducibles help students understand how to vary ledes in their columns and essays. The Post timeline highlights the era of Katharine Graham and the beginning of the modern Washington Post -- the pressman's strike, the Pentagon Papers and Watergate. Use "You and Your Rights" section to discuss freedom of religion and tolerance. The case study's focus is Islamic dress for women. Vocabulary and resources are included.

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 lessons in "INSIDE Journalism: Now You're in the Know," focus on the Monday through Friday sections of The Washington Post. "Blood Hounds 'Volunteer' Without Even a Bow-Ow," an article from the Health section, combines science, technology and a child's love for animals while introducing students to a business in Annapolis. "Inside the Post," a reproducible search of the sections, should lead to discussion of the organization of the Post and current events. A more challenging selection from the Business section, "How to Unlock a Value Chain," introduces students to a computer-assisted research project. Michael Getler in "Meet the Ombudsman," tells about his role as a liaison between The Post and its readers. The Post timeline and "A Changing Community, A Changing Role" take students to 1933-1945. The modern Washington Post began in 1933 when Eugene Meyer purchased the newspaper and established 7 principles to govern newsgathering. Vocabulary and resources are included.

Whether you want to understand the editorial writing process at The Washington Post or for your own newspaper, "INSIDE Journalism: The Editorial Page" provides insight and how-to information. The annotated editorial page and Q and A with Robert Asher, a Post editorial writer, shed light on opinion writing at The Post. Use "How to Write an Editorial," "Building an Editorial," vocabulary and resource lists to help students write their own editorials. A study of freedom of speech continues in a constitutional law lesson provided by two Marshall-Brennan fellows: "Dress Codes and the Relationship to Freedom of Speech and Expression: Whether the First Amendment Protects Students' Rights to Wear the Confederate Flag." Apply this lesson to a contemporary situation reported in The Post article, "A Ban on Hate, or Heritage: GA School Divided Over Confederate-Themed Shirts."

Use the Post to learn the basics of writing a news story in inverted pyramid style from the lede to the cut-off test. Reproducibles for students include "The Annotated News Story," "How to... Write a News Story," "How to... Begin a News Story" and "The Inverted Pyramid." Post reporters answer student questions about their careers. The Washington Post timeline focuses on 1890-1900, a decade that witnessed the explosion of the Maine in Cuba, yellow journalism and the newsboys strike in New York City. "You and Your Rights" lesson takes a closer look at the Pledge of Allegiance in the times of national crises.

INSIDE Journalism: The Front Page takes a close look at the elements that compose the front page of The Washington Post. "How to... Read the Front Page" provides vocabulary, an annotated front page and activity sheet. "Timeline" features Washington Post history, 1877-1889. Pair it with "A Changing Community, A Changing Role," a collection of discussion questions and activities that are related to the late 1800s and the front page. Students can learn more about the Supreme Court and its fact-finding role in "You Be the Judge" activity written by a Marshall-Brennan Program fellow. Guidelines for using the guide and Web resources are also included.

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."