Exploring American Identity through the Constitution

Essential Question

Why was the Constitution written? How does our government work?
What privilege do Americans have based on their race, gender, or class? What is the importance of knowing your rights?

Texts

Informational

"To the Dead We Owe the Truth"

In this segment from 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets, a jury delivers the verdict in the case about the murder of Jordan Davis by Michael Dunn.

Marc Silver

Grade Level

9-12

Subject

Civics

History

Topic

Race & Ethnicity Religion Rights & Activism

August 19, 2016

Informational

1920: Women Get the Vote

This article examines the history of the 19th Amendment, which secured the right to vote for women. It examines women's participation at the polls since then and considers the possibility and impact of greater numbers of women in public office.

Sam Roberts

Grade Level

9-12

Subject

Civics

History

Economics

Geography

Topic

Gender & Sexual Identity Rights & Activism

July 5, 2014

Informational

Mendez v. Westminster

Preceding the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, Mendez v. Westminster challenged the segregation of Mexican Americans in schools in Orange County, California.

Senior District Judge Paul J. McCormick

Grade Level

9-12

Subject

Civics

History

Geography

Topic

Civil Rights Movement Race & Ethnicity Rights & Activism

July 29, 2016

Teaching Strategies

Close and Critical Reading

Text Graffiti

This strategy exposes students to multiple short pieces of a text before they read it in its entirety. Students read selected quotes out of context and comment on both the selection and the comments of other students. The activity ends with students reflecting on their reactions to and predictions about the text.

Grade Level

6-8 9-12

CCSS

RL.6-12.1, RI.6-12.1

July 19, 2014

Student Tasks

Write to the Source

Break It Down

Break it Down asks students to demonstrate their explanatory and descriptive writing skills.

Grade Level

6-8 9-12

CCSS

W.6-12.2, W.6-12.4, W.6-12.9

July 19, 2014

Write to the Source

What's the Impact?

What’s the Impact? asks students to demonstrate their explanatory and informative writing skills.

Grade Level

6-8 9-12

CCSS

W.6-12.2, W.6-12.4, W.6-12.9

July 19, 2014

Plan Built By

nataliehill26

Exploring American Identity through the Constitution

"To the Dead We Owe the Truth"

1920: Women Get the Vote

Mendez v. Westminster

Text Graffiti

Break It Down

What's the Impact?

Print this Learning Plan

Sign in to save these resources.

Get the Learning for Justice Newsletter