Nevada Youth Security Initiative

Educational Modules

Free, ready-to-use lessons on national security and civic engagement, for classrooms and anyone eager to learn. Each module explains a topic in plain language and asks you to think critically, weigh evidence, and form your own views.

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All NYSI modules are free to use in classrooms and for personal learning. NYSI is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose any political party, candidate, or legislation.

Module 2

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Privacy in America

From George Washington’s secret agents to today’s digital surveillance: how the U.S. gathers intelligence and where to draw the line between security and privacy.

Central questionWhen does surveillance protect the public, and when does it threaten the freedoms it is meant to protect?
AudienceGrades 9 to 12, teachers, and college students. No background needed.
LengthOne class period, two class days, or self-paced
FormatVideos, readings, discussion, hands-on activities, and a structured debate
Download the module (PDF)
See what’s inside

By the end, students will be able to

  1. Define surveillance, espionage, and intelligence, and explain how they relate to national security.
  2. Describe how intelligence-gathering methods have changed from the American Revolution to the digital age.
  3. Identify key institutions and legal frameworks, and summarize what three major surveillance laws do and why Congress passed them.
  4. Evaluate competing arguments about public safety, privacy, civil liberties, and democratic accountability.
  5. Name at least three careers connected to intelligence and privacy.

Schedule

  • Part 1: What is intelligence?
  • Part 2: Historical case: the Culper Spy Ring
  • Part 3: Modern surveillance and the law
  • Part 4: The privacy and ethical debate
  • Wrap-up: Reflection and careers

Also included

  • Key terms with examples
  • Teacher notes: pacing, content advisories, differentiation, answer keys, and assessment ideas
  • An “Explore Further” list of videos, lesson plans, primary sources, books, and films
  • Source and fact-checking notes

A note for teachers

Surveillance law changes often. Part 3 includes a timeline of laws that may have been updated since this module was written, and the teacher notes explain how to check the current status before you teach it.

Some recommended films are rated R and are listed for independent viewing only.

More modules are on the way. Have a topic you’d like to see? Email us.