Democracy’s Watchdog (lesson plan)
Educator resources
Historical events
News judgment
News media trust
Learn about the historic watchdog role that a free press has played in the United States by exploring a collection of investigative reports spanning more than a century.
Learning objectives
- I can explore five iconic examples of investigative journalism and determine the impact of each.
- I can explain the “watchdog role” of the press and describe its importance.
Essential questions
- In what ways can a free press act like a watchdog on behalf of the public?
- What are some of the most important examples of watchdog journalism in American history?
- In what ways can investigative journalism bring about social or political change?
