<p>Using Burton Morris' <a href="https://www.burtonmorris.com/nightstand-portraits" target="_blank">"Nightstand Portrait" series</a> as inspiration, this collection is a symbolic look at my night-stand.  Each resource represents something about my interests or personality.  “Nightstands are intimate reflections of who you are” says Morris.</p> <p><br><br></p>

<p>Did you ever notice that two individuals can look at the exact same thing, but "see" it in completely different ways?</p> <p>How does this happen?  And, what can we (as students) learn from it?  </p> <p>Our lived experiences in the past can greatly impact how we perceive the present.  And, the more that we know about the past of others, the better that we can understand our own (and their) perceptions of the present.</p> <p>This collection includes three topics that are rooted in American History, yet impact our nation today.  First, an encounter between a white police officer and an unarmed black man is observed through two completely different perspectives, both cloaked with memories of historical events from our country's past. Next, the topic of slavery is explored with a focus on the present-day debate surrounding reparations.  Finally, American song-writer, Stephen Foster is examined through the lens of a controversial statue in Pittsburgh, PA.  </p> <p>Collectively, these topics can open a larger discussion about how individuals can learn from the past of others', perhaps even more so than examining their own past.  They could also be used individually by small groups of students and shared out to the larger class for discussion.  The lesson could be used in 1-2 days with the optional "Take Action" assignment requiring an additional 1-2 days.</p> <p>Students will be asked to "step in" to the mindset of someone who  may believe much differently than they do.  The students will also be asked to think deeply about what they see and wonder how others may "see" it differently.  </p> <p></p> <p>PA Civics & Government: <br>5.1.8.C. Analyze the principles and ideas that shaped local, Pennsylvania, and national governments. • Liberty / Freedom • Democracy • Justice • Equality<br><br>PA Core Reading for History & Social Studies:<br>CC.8.5.6-8.G. Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.<br><br>PA Core Writing for History & Social Studies:<br>CC.8.6.6-8.G. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.<br><br>21st Century Student Outcomes:<br>Work Effectively in Diverse Teams: Respond open-mindedly to different ideas and values<br>Solve Problems: Identify and ask significant questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions<br>Communicate Clearly: Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts<br><br>Essential Questions:<br>How does the past actions of our government still affect citizens today?<br>Why might minority groups' perspective on inequality in our nation differ from that of majority groups?<br>How can disenfranchised groups gain attention to their cause and elicit change?<br>Should our country recognize and make up for injustices in our past?</p> <p>#civicdiscourse</p>