Theme: Land of the Free Film: The American President (PG-13) 4:49
Andrew Shepherd is approaching the end of his first term as President of the United States. He's a widower with a young daughter and has proved to be popular with the public. His election seems assured. That is until he meets Sydney Ellen Wade, a paid political activist working for an environmental lobby group.
This 1995 film by Warner Bros. is directed by Rob Reiner, written by Aaron Sorkin, and stars Michael Douglas, Annette Benning, and Michael J. Fox.
Teaser Question: What rights do the First Amendment give us?
Going Deeper: Social media has allowed people to become mean and nasty at times because they are able to hide behind a computer and we don't know who they are. Should they be allowed to comment negative things on a complete stranger's posts? Have you ever done this? Has this ever been done to you?
"It is the life of democracy to favor equality."- CHRISTIAN NESTELL BOVEE
"Democracy is alive, and like any other living thing it either flourishes and grows or withers and dies. There is no in-between. It is freedom and life or dictatorship and death."- SAUL ALINSKY
Theme: Taking an Oath Film: The Postman 1:23
A nameless drifter dons a postman's uniform and bag of mail as he begins a quest to inspire hope to the survivors living in post-apocalyptic America.
This 1997 film by Warner Bros. is directed by Kevin Costner, written by David Brin, ,and Eric Roth. It stars Kevin Costner, Will Patton, and Larenz Tate.
Teaser Question: What does it mean to take an oath?
Going Deeper: Have you ever taken an oath? What is to stop you from breaking the oath?
"When a man takes an oath... he's holding his own self in his own hands." -Robert Bolt
"It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath." -Aeschylus
Theme: Freedom Film: Braveheart 2:41
When his secret bride is executed for assaulting an English soldier Sir William Wallace begins a revolt against King Edward I of England. William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the cruel English ruler Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself.
This 1995 film by Icon Entertainment is directed by Mel Gibson, written by Randall Wallace, and stars Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, and Patrick McGooghan.
Teaser Question: How important is freedom?
Going Deeper: How are men and women willing to die for freedom? What gives them that courage?
"We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail." - George W. Bush
"There is only one decision you need to make: You are either working at your Freedom or you are accepting your bondage"-Robert Adams
Theme: The World Working Together Film: Independence Day (PG-13) 2:41
On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles and Washington, as well as Paris, London, Houston and Moscow. The survivors set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. July 4th is their Independence Day...
This 1996 film from Twentieth Century Fox is directed by Roland Emmerich, is written by Dean Devlin, and Roland Emmerich. It stars Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum.
Keeping a Journal: 1. Of all the movie clips, which one was your favorite and why? 2. Throughout history, people have risked their lives for the greater good. Would you be able to do this? 3. Freedom has various levels based on people's opinions. What does it mean to be free to you?
Activity 1: Crazy Laws Performance Objective: Works with a group, following set rules of procedure to complete an assigned task
Materials: -1 Copy of the Weird State Laws document cut into strips
Teacher Instructions: 1. Print out a copy of the Weird State Laws document and cut them into strips. 2. Partner the students and give them each a few strips (2-3) 3. Tell the students that all the laws they received are all actual laws that exist in the state list. 4. Explain to the students that they have the choice of acting it out in a skit, drawing it like pictionary, or acting it out like charades. You can get a variety of these and keep up student engagement
Activity 2: Executive Command Performance objective: Students will participate in the problem-solving process while using technology
Materials: -Link to online game: https://www.icivics.org/games/executive-command
Teacher Instructions: 1. Give students the link above to try out making decisions as president. This is a highly regarded curriculum based website.
Activity 3: Symbols of America Performance Objective: Uses imagination to form and express thought, feeling and character.
Materials: -Blank paper -Colored pencils, markers, crayons
Teacher Instructions: 1. Explain to students that there are many symbols when we think about America, patriotism, etc. Ask them to think about the most unique one they can and draw a picture of that symbol. You can assign teams, and give points to each individual on the team, with more points going to the more original the idea is. I.E. 10 people draw flags = 1 point each, 3 people draw the Statue of Liberty = 2 points each, and only 1 person draws the Liberty Bell = 5 points.
2. Allow students a few minutes to think about their original idea while you pass out supplies.
3. Give students about 10 minutes to draw and color.
4. Have students share their drawings, grouping like drawings together for scoring.
5. Tally up the points for each team and display on the whiteboard.