Research Scenario
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. "
The above excerpt from the United States Declaration of Independence infers that all men are created equal and, therefore entitled to the same rights. However, are all Americans treated equally? Since the time of our patriot forefathers, have all groups, in particular, Native Americans, African Americans, women, and immigrants enjoyed the same treatment as other Americans? Have they attained the same equality?
Listen as civil rights activist Dorothy Height expresses her thoughts on making the American dream a reality (National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.)
The National Museum of Patriotism in Atlanta, Georgia is collecting materials for use in an upcoming exhibit “Equality Hall” on the evolution of American equality. In an effort to facilitate educational partnerships, they are seeking student-created displays, in the form of timelines, to include in the exhibit. The timelines will trace the progression of equality of various cultures in American history. These cultures are: Native Americans, African Americans, immigrants and women. The museum will display the most accurate and attractive timelines in “Equality Hall.”
How have the American people responded to multicultural and multiracial issued based on the Declaration of Independence? |
Our class has been invited to create and submit timelines for display in The National Museum of Patriotism. You will be assigned to one of the four cultures to investigate and track the progression towards equality in America. These cultures are:
- Native Americans
- African Americans
- immigrants
- women
Working in one of the four research teams, you will research the major events, essential documents and legislation, and key figures connected with your culture’s struggle for equality and record your information on a graphic organizer. You will locate necessary information by using the print and electronic resources in "Gather and Sort."
Then, you will organize and present this information in the form of a timeline.
Your timeline must include the following content:
- dates of major events
- dates of essential documents and legislation
- dates key figure made significant contributions
Additionally, you must include captions to explain the significance of the items on your timeline. Timelines will be shared with the rest of the class during a five to ten minute oral presentation.
Research Process Assessments:
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How have the American people responded to multicultural and multiracial issued based on the Declaration of Independence? |
Subsidiary Questions:
- What are some of the major events of this cultural group's progression toward equality? Include relevant dates.
- Who are the key figures that made significant contributions in this cultural group's progression toward equality?
- What role do social and political movements play
in securing civil rights? - How does the individual make a difference in this struggle?
Use this graphic organizer to gather information about your culture from a variety of resources. Visit the student resource page to link to print and non print resources.
Be sure to avoid plagiarism and remember to cite your references. Check a research guide for details about the proper citation of sources. For MLA guidelines and examples, click here.
Analyze your research notes to determine if you have adequate information to determine how the American people responded to multicultural and multiracial issued based on the Declaration of Independence.
Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your timeline and oral presentation. Thinking about the implications of your research to the individual and society, begin to think about whether or not your culture has achieved equality.
- What are some of the major events of this cultural group's progression toward equality? Include relevant dates.
- Who are the key figures that made significant contributions in this cultural group's progression toward equality?
- What role do social and political movements play
in securing civil rights? - How does the individual make a difference in this struggle?
Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task and create your final products.
- Have you gathered sufficient details about your topic?
- Have you organized your details in a manner that promotes understanding?
- Is your research reflected in your products?
Presentation:
Using the information recorded in your graphic organizer, create your oral presentation as well as your choice of visual product listed above. Use the presentation note taking organizer to take notes while you listen to your classmates present their timelines.
Reflection (BCR):
Analyzing the information gathered from your own research and information obtained from listening to your classmates' presentations, make a judgment as to whether or not America has reached a point where there is truly equality for all cultures. Then, write a brief constructed response to defend your response. Be sure to include supporting details to justify your decision.
Extension Activities:
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Select a cultural group and divide the class into two groups, those who believe the cultural group have achieved equality and those who do not. Have the student groups debate this issue.
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Compare and contrast the progress America has made with regard to racial and cultural equality with that in another nation. Discuss factors that may have affected the differences in progress.