Classroom Activities

Peace

Peace explores events surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention through the eyes of a young woman who attends the rally in Grant Park. The unit integrates history, language arts, and technology to engage students in considering the nature of civic debate as they write, research, and present their interpretations of this important national turning point.

Lesson 1: 1968 Flashback
By exploring the interactive history map for Peace, students will gain an introduction to the anti-Vietnam War movement and events surrounding the August 1968 demonstrations in Chicago.

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Lesson 2: Historical Heads
This lesson uses the "historical head" conceptual framework derived from the work of James Percoco to explore the thoughts and feelings of the characters in Peace.

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Lesson 3: Newscast from the Past
By researching and writing a mock newscast of events surrounding the protests, students will become acquainted with the political and social backdrop of 1968 Chicago and national anti-war movement.

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Lesson 4: Conversation in the Round
Through a group discussion, students will be challenged to evaluate the events of 1968 and their own personal views about demonstrating for a political cause. They will formulate and support their opinions, both verbally and in writing.

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Lesson 5: Peace—The Sequel
Students will write the sequel to Peace, imagining life through the eyes of a story character five years later.

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