"Lesson one of four* The high school Amnesty International Club will be participating in a large human rights event in the spring. In speaking with the club's faculty coordinator, the ELA teacher and school librarian have realized that the taking action model that human rights defenders use is very similar to the writing standards expected of high school students in the ELA Common Core State Standards and strands in the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner. The ELA teacher and school librarian will have students create action plans which identify concerns regarding a specific human rights case, establish significance of the case, provide sufficient evidence (identify which human rights are being violated, and cite appropriate human rights documents and organizations), and includes a concluding statement. Students will also share their new knowledge with peers through a written case summary and creative element (demonstration, art or media project).
Overview:
How can ordinary people defend human rights?
Students will research and develop an action plan regarding a contemporary human rights violation. Students will gain hands-on experience in grassroots activism which will inform and inspire human rights activism later in life. *Lesson one of four*
Final Product:
Students will chose a human rights case on which to focus for this project and will answer the following questions: 1. What article(s) of the UDHR are being violated? 2. Provide a brief description of the case and target (include campaign “asks”). 3. Draft list of sources. 4. Why is this case appropriate and timely? 5. Are any other organizations working on this or related causes? 6. What are some creative ideas? Unit Product: Final projects should include: Letter writing campaign or petition, Case summary, Creative element (demonstration, art or media project).
Library Lesson:
This lesson is first in a four-part unit in which students will think critically about the meaning of human rights and how ordinary people can stand up for human rights. Students will conduct an inquiry-based research process and share new understandings through written and creative products. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Identify a contemporary human rights case or violation to focus on for the Taking Action project, and 2. List sources and organize findings so that it is useful.