As part of a “Social Activism” project, seventh
graders have been studying the impact of activists on society during the
early 1800s, and each student selected a group of three activists who
championed a particular cause or used
a particular form of activism. Helen chose the topic of gender equality /
women’s rights. The three activists in this group were Lucretia Mott,
Sojourner Truth, and Emma Watson – two from the early 1800s and one from
the present. We wanted our students to make
the connection: social activism is still a huge part of our democracy.
Students needed to research their topics and their activists, then
use their own interpretations / beliefs and their research to do two
things: write a three-page research paper and create a stand-alone
presentation in digital form. The presentations will
be archived. Helen’s paper looked at the women’s rights movement as it
appeared in the worlds of three activists, but for her presentation she
focused on Watson.
Using non-fiction film
making techniques Helen’s project shows what students can do "if we hand them the
reins to their own learning," reports
Emily Rubinfield, history department chair. Guidelines are
set and a goal is established. From that point the kids’ ideas and
creativity come pouring out under their own volcanic
power. One of the best traits of our classes is that the kids cheer each
other on; her class loved Helen’s originality and hard work. To see Helen's video click
here.
