Lesson 1: What Does It Mean to Have a Public Voice?
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to explain the role and responsibility of public voice in democratic societies.
What counts as public speech?
Who gets heard, and why?
What responsibilities come with having a voice?
Public voice
Civic participation
Platform
Responsibility
D2.CIV.1.9–12 – Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of individuals and institutions
D2.CIV.7.9–12 – Apply democratic principles to public issues
D1.INQ.1.9–12 – Explain how a question reflects an enduring civic issue
Analyzing purpose
Understanding audience
Evaluating claims
Students examine examples of public communication and discuss how voice influences civic life.
DOK Level: 3
Connections to social media, protests, journalism, and advocacy
Discussion of whose voices are amplified or ignored
“Only experts have a public voice”
“Public speech has no consequences”
Choice of examples
Guided discussion prompts
Low-risk entry activities
Reflection writing
Discussion participation
Opinion pieces
Public statements
Student-selected examples