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.

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.

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 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.

Many health issues provide stimulus for lessons in economics, privacy vs. public health concerns, illegal vs. legal transport of goods and medicines, laws and ethics. This guide focuses on the current news: an outbreak of mumps in the Midwest and the spread of the H5N1 strain of the influenza virus. The concerns about avian flu also provide opportunity to teach students about the Spanish Flu that killed more than 50 million people around the world and to introduce students to careers in virology and epidemiology. The activities in this guide suggest the range of approaches that can be taken using Washington Post news articles, features, graphics and commentary. Studying etymology, reading of maps and bar graphs, and comparing the Spanish flu to today’s spread of disease — many of the activities cross disciplines.

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.

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.

Workplace conditions and safety, the role of immigrants in the American work force and the power of the vote to bring about change can be addressed through the activities in Triangle Fire. Excerpts from David Von Drehle's Triangle Fire are used in three exercises with reproducibles: "The Cutter's Art," "The Workplace at the Turn of the Twentieth Century" and "Tammany Hall and Workplace Safety Reform." Until 9-11-01, The Triangle Waist Company fire was the worst workplace disaster in New York history. An interview with David Von Drehle provides insight into the writing process and the author's perspective on the lessons to be learned from March 25, 1911. Academic content standards are included.

The KidsPost article, "The Good Old Days? Not Quite," and a research activity focus on the chores of children who contributed to the economic livelihood of colonial families. A vocabulary list, word find, crossword puzzle and "Word Study...A Look at Chore" are provided to develop vocabulary. Students are asked to write an essay or process paper. Enrichment activities and "Colonial Destinations" expand the study of colonial life.

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.

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."

Students learn about geography, weather and human stamina while reading about a round-the-world endurance sailboat race. Teachers may wish to review students' knowledge of geography and weather or introduce new terms by using the three reproducibles that divide the Volvo Ocean Race into segments: Southampton, England, to Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland to Baltimore, Maryland; and Baltimore/Annapolis to Kiel, Germany. The youngest students are provided a multiple-choice quiz, "Which of These Is True?" The challenges to safety and health during endurance races are examined in "Careful Packing." Vocabulary, Web resources and "Word Study: A Look at Circumnavigation" are also included.

"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."

Students prepare a timeline and conduct an interview to understand the changing view of women in American society. In addition to discussion questions, teachers are provided Web resources and a local-women-in-sports-activity from the pages of The Washingotn Post. "Suffrage" is the focus of the Word Study. Reproducibles include a crossword puzzle and "Preparing for an Interview."

Students learn about Antarctica and its early explorers as they prepare for a scientific expedition on the coldest continent. An interview with the public affairs officer onboard the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star supplements the KidsPost article, "Deep Freeze." The student activity encourages reading about Antarctic explorers and studying the animal life of the fifth largest continent. Vocabulary, Web and print resources and a Word Study focusing on temperature are provided.

The economic reality of recession is presented through cause-and-effect relationships. In the KidsPost article, students meet a mother and daughter who represent thousands of people affected by a slowdown in the economy. The guide presents discussion questions, vocabulary, Web resources and a causal chain activity. The Word Study focuses on the Greek origin of "economy." An enrichment activity for mathematics uses unemployment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Stereotypes can affect individuals and influence a community as seen in the KidsPost article, "Muslim and American: Kids Worry About Anti-Arab Reaction." This curriculum guide provides discussion questions to use with the article, enrichment activities and a lesson. After reading the article, students discuss stereotypes, review basic beliefs of Muslims and engage in a group activity. A Washington Post editorial, the columns of Courtland Milloy and Donna Britt and a news feature are studied to understand the impact terrorism, stereotypes and lack of knowledge of Islam can have on individuals and our society. An introduction to Islam is provided in a summary of beliefs and Web resources. The Word Study Focuses on "mosque."

The tragic acts of terrorism of September 11, 2001, prompted the Educational Services Department of The Washington Post to provide a collection of activities, lesson plans and Web resources for teachers. We encourage teachers and publications advisers to use these unprecedented acts in the American experience to teach students how such tragedy is handled in the media. In this curriculum guide, teachers are provided three lessons. "Today's First Rough Draft of History," focuses on using the newspaper to understand terrorist attacks. In addition to today's articles, teachers are provided with excerpts from three other stories of terrorism and national uncertainty: The attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the downing of Flight 103 over Scotland. "The Horror and the Heroes," presents a study of the September 13 Post editorial. The third lesson, "Finding the Local Angle," gives newspaper advisers hints for including the terrorist attacks in a special section of their publications. "Terrorism" is the focus of the Word Study and activities for using the newspaper in many disciplines and looking at symbolism are also provided.

Ten years after his discovery in Italy, Otzi is back in the news. The KidsPost article, "Frozen in Time: Uncovering the 5,300-Year-Old Mysteries of the European Iceman," covers the mummy's discovery in 1991 and his cause of death revealed in July 2001 through the latest advance in x-ray technology. The lesson begins with a KWL reading activity. This task definition strategy will help students to define for themselves what they know, what they want to know and what they have learned. Discussion questions are included. A reproducible is provided for introducing students to the basics of the scientific method. The hypotheses about and test of the corpse present an example of the scientific process, including discarding conclusions when better evidence is found. Two other reproducibles provide for younger students a word find and a Snapshot Box activity. Enrichment activities include research of careers in science and technology