"An inquiry lesson into
President Polk?s wartime powers?" Designed by Benjie Achtenberg (8th grade Melrose Leadership Academy), Linda Wadley (8th grade Roosevelt Middle School) Matt Smith (8th grade Claremont Middle School), Lacy Lefkowitz (8th grade Claremont Middle School) (2010-2011)
Background and Context of the Lesson In many respects, James K Polk?s handling of the Mexican American War redefined the role of the president in wartime. We wanted to study his actions and incorporate the Constitution and interpretations of the Constitution into our Manifest Destiny unit.
Grade 8
An inquiry lesson into Marriage Reform and the Women?s Movement Designed by: Julie Greenfield (Edna Brewer), David Minhondo (Edna Brewer), Bruce Ferrara (Roosevelt), Katherine Suyeyasu (Ascend), Abigail Atwood (Roots), and Donna Leary (UC Berkley) (2010-2011)
Background and Context of the Lesson
In this lesson students will analyze primary source documents illustrating various means that women employed in the 1800s to gain basic constitutional rights. As part of their analysis, students will explore the probable purpose and audience of their document, as a way to consider whether their source exemplifies an attempt to bring about political change (a change in laws), or a cultural change (a change in popular beliefs and perspectives) that would impact the lives of women.