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9th grade · Social Studies · Unit 4 of 11

Media & Democracy

A free press and a careful public

What your child practices

Why a free and responsible press matters, broadcast, print and online media, how officials use media to shape opinion, and how to spot misinformation, bias and spin.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) teks student expectation: GOV.2(A); GOV.15(B); GOV.18(B) · how the media affects public policy, freedom of the press, and the internet and the political process

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, which helps citizens hold leaders accountable.
  2. Investigative journalism digs to uncover wrongdoing. Officials and political ads use media to persuade.
  3. Check reliability: look for named sources and see whether other trusted outlets report the same thing.

Example: Which amendment protects freedom of the press? It protects speech, religion, assembly and petition too. That is the First. Answer: the First

Media & Democracy in Texas

In the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), this is unit 4 of 11 in 9th grade Social Studies, after Taking Part and before Three Branches.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    Media bias means…

    • perfect balance
    • a slant that favors one side
    • only weather news
    • a legal ruling

  2. Question 2

    How can you check if a news story is reliable?

    • believe it if it's shocking
    • look for named sources and check other trusted outlets
    • count the likes
    • trust the headline

  3. Question 3

    Agenda setting means the media…

    • influences which issues people think about
    • appoints judges
    • counts votes
    • writes laws

  4. Question 4

    A primary source for a news story could be…

    • a court document or an interview with a witness
    • a meme
    • a summary on a blog
    • a rumor

  5. Question 5

    Presidents have used radio talks, such as FDR's fireside chats, to…

    • avoid the public
    • sell products
    • explain policies and build public support
    • replace Congress

  6. Question 6

    Echo chambers form when people…

    • read many sources
    • talk to opponents
    • check facts
    • only see views they already agree with

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