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Jason Smith

8th Grade Social Studies
Avonworth School District
Middle School (13 to 15 years old)
Teacher/Educator
Civics, Social Studies
8th Grade Civics Teacher, Middle School Baseball Coach, High School Cross Country Coach

Jason Smith's collections

 

The Past Impacts the Present

<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>
Jason Smith
18
 

The Second Amendment Debate

<p>This collection provides historical context to the contemporary debate surrounding gun control and the second amendment.  Resources include images and texts that challenge viewers to consider both sides of this debate.  To promote civic engagement, viewers are encouraged to reference these sources when contacting their local elected official regarding their stance on this important issue. <br></p> <p></p> <p>Content Warning:  This collection includes images, stories, and other resources related to gun violence in the U.S.  Please preview this collection before using it with any students that may be unprepared to explore this topic.</p> <p><br><u>PA Civics & Government:  </u><br>5.1.8.D. Summarize the basic principles and ideals within documents and the roles played by the framers as found in significant documents: • Declaration of Independence • United States Constitution • Bill of Rights • Pennsylvania Constitution<br><br><u>PA Core Reading for History & Social Studies:</u><br>CC.8.5.6-8.F. Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).<br><br><u>PA Core Writing for History & Social Studies:</u><br>CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.<br><br><u>21st Century Student Outcomes:</u><br>Make Judgements and Decisions:<br>Effectively analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs<br>Analyze and evaluate major alternative points of view<br><br><u>Essential Question:</u><br>How can I better understand points-of-view that I disagree with?</p> <p><u><br>Timing:</u></p> <p>This entire collection could be part of an entire 5-7 unit on the Second Amendment.  Each activity could be completed in one class period.  However if time does not allow for using the complete collection, using 1-2 of the activities along with the final "Take Action" assignment could also meet the desired result. <u><br></u></p> <p><u>Previous Knowledge:</u></p> <p>Ideally, this collection will be used AFTER students have been introduced to the Bill of Rights as part of a deeper analysis of the 2nd Amendment.<br></p> <p>#civicdiscourse</p>
Jason Smith
29
 

Loyalists & Patriots

Jason Smith
11