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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that there have been times throughout history that protest and student voice have had a major impact in shaping our history. Students will learn that they have a powerful voice and have the right to protest as protected by our Constitution.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Pre-Activity/Prerequisite: Students should have background knowledge of the Vietnam War.
Step 2.
On the board write the word PROTEST in large letters. Then, with the students, brainstorm reasons why people protest and write them on the board; specifically aim it towards issues today. This will be a good bridge to compare why students of the 1960's protested with reasons today. Are there any similarities?
Step 3.
Have students read the TFHS Students Share "A Day of Concern" article and the War Protest Keeps New England College Campuses in Ferment" article. Have them compare and contrast each article. Were the situations that took place at the high school similar to what was taking place on college campuses around the country?
Discuss as a class.
Step 4.
Next, have students read the "Students Trying to Convert Congressmen" article. Answer the following questions in their notebook/journal:
1) Are the student voices being heard by congressmen? If so, give examples.
2) What advice did Rep. Edward I Koch, D-NY give to the students? Do you think this is effective advice? Explain.
3) What do you think is more effective in change, street demonstrations or lobbying? Is there certain times when one is more effective than another? Give examples and explain.
Discuss as a class.
Step 5.
Now, either alone or in partners, have the students identify an issue today that they feel strongly about. Examples: Iraq conflict, healthcare, MCAS, GLBT rights, etc. Their assignment is to plan to protest. Have them come up with a plan on how to make their voice heard. How would they get people to join their cause? How would information be circulated? Is it a major enough cause to get many people to fight along side with them? Finally, finish the project with a poster or pamphlet that promotes their cause. Make sure they include a slogan, symbol and information about their cause.
Step 6.
EXTENSION - For extra credit or for homework, they could write a petition and gather as many signatures as they could get of their friends and family that would support their cause.
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