Overview
In this two‐part lesson, students will be introduced to the idea of equal rights and explore the historical roots of the idea, times where it has fallen short in American history, and movements to better live up to its standard.
In this two‐part lesson, students will be introduced to the idea of equal rights and explore the historical roots of the idea, times where it has fallen short in American history, and movements to better live up to its standard.
In this first part of the lesson, students will explore the idea of equal rights in early American history by examining primary source documents and by using their knowledge of early American history to discuss the limits of this idea.
PRE-READING
Read the following items in the beginning of class or before class:
WARM-UP ACTIVITY
CLASS ACTIVITY
As a class, discuss the following questions. Use the pre‐readings to make your argument, as well as knowledge from other sources.
HOMEWORK FOR PART I
In Part II, students will learn from each other about the story of American history as a continuing effort to live up to the promise of the Declaration of Independence and the idea of equal rights.
WARM-UP ACTIVITY:
CLASS ACTIVITY:
EXTENSION ACTIVITY:
Explore more the complicated history of equal rights through learning about and from individuals that have both historically disagreed and those who may have alternative perspectives to you now.