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Equal, Really?

Lesson Plan

General

Grade Level

Elementary School

Author Info

Sharon Mohrmann

Type of Lesson

Challenge

Type of Project (Individual/Group/Both)

Individual

Duration

30-60 minutes

Challenge Question

The Declaration of Independence stated that “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Were ALL equal? Create the front page of a newspaper examining that question, using the three selected images to make your point.

Rationale

Teachers are able to check the students’ understanding of equal rights of select groups throughout history.

Steps

  1. Go to My Collection to find the quote from the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all mean are created equal.” Use the source analysis questions to learn who wrote this, when, and why. What does this tell you?
  2. Go to My Collection to look at three images for this challenge. Use the source analysis questions to learn more about each image. What do these images tell you about equality?
  3. Go to Create. Using the quote and the images, write a newspaper article that talks about the challenges, setbacks, and accomplishments of each group in the image. Your newspaper should answer the challenge question: Were ALL equal?
  4. Can you think of another group that was not treated equally? Feel free to add an additional article for that group.