Lesson Plans
Gun Violence and Next-Generation Coalitions
Students deepen understanding of civic action through a focus on the empowerment that citizens gain through building coalitions through an exploration of the accomplishments of young people to help bring about changes through civic action. Referencing Library of Congress resources and sources of the Columbine school shooting, students identify the potential of young people in creating positive change through civic action. Students then examine current problems or causes about which they are passionate and draft an action plan.
Kids, Collaboration, and Coalitions
Students develop their personal understanding of their membership in a civic community by examining the historic contribution of young people in shaping positive changes in America using primary sources from the Library of Congress and other sources. Students explore coalition-building accomplishments of young people recognizing that any individual, regardless of age, race, status, or gender has the potential to help bring about changes through working together. Students then identify characteristics of collaboration and creating coalitions in order to build their understanding of civic community.
Dolores Huerta: Inspiring Civic Responsibility
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working and living conditions at different times in order to build context and then analyze additional sources that highlight the contributions of Dolores Huerta, including a poem written to celebrate her work. Finally, students write a poem, speech, or letter to the editor about a social movement (past, present, or future) that inspires them to fulfill their civic responsibilities.
Dolores Huerta: Building Coalitions to Affect Change
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working and living conditions at different times in order to build context and then analyze additional sources that highlight the contributions of Dolores Huerta, including a poem written to celebrate her work. Finally, students write their own poem about a time they worked as part of a coalition to help solve a problem.
Dolores Huerta: Collaborating to Affect Change
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working and living conditions for farmworkers in order to build context and then analyze additional sources that highlight the contributions of Dolores Huerta. Finally, students complete a writing assignment to reflect on working with others to help solve a problem.