Blending Engaging Narrative with Engaging Exercises
War of the Worlds and Fake News
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This lesson uses the compelling story of the 1938 “War of the Worlds” broadcast to engage students in analyzing primary source documents, seemingly proving that a nationwide panic occurred after a 23-year-old used new technology to prank the nation. The ultimate twist reveals that the widespread panic was a myth, wildly exaggerated by newspapers competing with radio, providing a master class in information literacy by showing students how accurate-looking evidence can be used to support a false conclusion.
Oklahoma City Bombing & Memory
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This lesson starts with memory by presenting students with short videos focusing on The Oklahoma City National Memorial itself, inviting them to reflect on how the bombing is remembered and the questions it generates. A brief documentary trailer follows, providing more reflection and generating further questions before considering comments by Bill Clinton and reactions to those comments and other reactions from 1995. Students track how their understanding changes through each step of the lesson before it culminates with brief direct instruction showing connections between Ruby Ridge, Waco and Oklahoma City.
Kathrine, Maria, Billie Jean and Title IX: Making Change for Women Athletes
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This lesson launches with students trying to interpret a woman runner getting attacked by a man in a suit. It then traces the stories of Kathrine Switzer running the Boston Marathon in 1967, Maria Pepe playing Little League in 1974, and the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Each story includes videos, and newspaper clipping excerpts to illustrate the role of individuals in making change. Interspersed with these stories in an analysis of the 37 words in Title IX, showing how law makes change as well. The lesson includes direct instruction, discussion and evidence analysis.