This document contains three lesson plans for teaching secondary school students about politics and the media. Each lesson plan includes an overview, a resource list, and learning activities. Lesson 1, "The Editing Room," teaches students about: (1) current affairs; (2) editing processes in selecting stories for newspapers, broadcasts, and magazines; and (3) how various audiences affect media selection. Lesson 2, "The Politics of Politicizing," introduces key factors that increase a person's chances for political nomination and teaches students how to analyze political candidates' chances for success. Lesson 3, "National Security vs. the Citizens' Right To Know," helps students recognize the conflicts that occur when national security issues are published by the media. Rights afforded the public by the First Amendment are discussed, and students have the opportunity to consider media and government officials' positions. A specific case study is included for class discussion purposes. (JHP)