Indiana Social Studies USG.3.14

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Purposes, Principles, and Institutions of the Government of the United States

The Standard

Describe the influence of the media and technology on public opinion and public policy.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain how news coverage and social media can shape what people notice and believe. They trace how public reactions can reach officials and affect laws or spending decisions.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can use an example to show how a news story or viral post might change people's views and prompt them to contact officials. They can identify the separate decision that actually changes policy.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat a trending post as proof that most people agree. They may also think a viral post changes a law on its own, without a vote or other government action.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A video of a flooded street goes viral, residents demand repairs, and the city council funds new drains. Explain how the video might change public opinion and what action changes policy.

Lesson moves

Give pairs two printed headlines about the same issue; have them circle loaded words and compare the impressions each headline creates.
Ask students to write: Would a viral video change a mayor's decision? What would need to happen between the post and the decision?
Have teams order cards labeled viral post, public comments, council hearing, and council vote; then mark where opinion and policy change.
Compare a local council agenda with a news story about the same issue; ask students which public concerns appear in both.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to USG.3.14, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.