U.S. HistoryDan MonacoRacism in our society42007-03-151.Does the film “Crash” realistically portray everyday encounters/experiences with racism or is this simply a “Hollywood” scenario?2.Is the setting of the film (Los Angeles) a fair measurement of racism in the United States as a whole?3.What measures can be taken to minimize racism?W = Help the students know Where the unit is going and What is expected (prior knowledge, interests) ~ H = Hook all students and Hold their interest? ~ E = Equip students, help them Experience the key ideas and Explore the issues ~ R = Provide opportunities to Rethink and Revise their understandings and work ~ E = Allow students to Evaluate their work and its implications ~ T = Be Tailored (personalized) to the different needs, interests and abilities of learners ~ O = Be Organized to maximize initial and sustained engagement as well as effective learning. Understanding by Design Professional Workbook (p. 14), by J. McTighe and G. Wiggins, 2004, Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Copyright©2005 ASCD

through collective inquiry, answers to problems can be resolved.
using research will help strengthen evidence for your conclusions.
how to collect information from a variety of resources with the support of a research handout.
work in small groups to clarify questions and receive feedback.

guided discussions can help clarify difficult questions.
inquiry provides opportunities to develop understanding.
research can provide fundamental information that needs interpreted and clarified.

NECAP GSE 9-10 (R 4.4, 8.2, 16.2, OC 1.2, 1.4, 1.5,

NSS Civics 9-10 (Roles of the Citizen, 5)

What are the rights of citizens?
What are the responsibilities of citizens?
What civic dispositions or traits of private and public character are important to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy?
How can citizens take part in civic life?

After viewing the film Crash and completing outside research, we will hold a two-day Socratic Seminar that deals with the issue of racism in American society.

One half of the class will discuss one question on the first day and the other half of the class will discuss the second question on the next day.
Observers not involved in the discussion on both days will be asked to assess one of the students involved in the discussion (see School-Wide Oral Presentation rubric).
Each student must hand in all research used in preparation as well as a Works Cited page with at least 3 sources (not including the film). This should include every source that was used in the research for preparing for this discussion.

The teacher will maintain a record of the students' comments during the discussion using a "check/check-minus/check-plus" system.
Teacher will review with guided questions and collect a brief written response regarding the responses to the EQs.

H: Review the movie Crash and explore the issues in a brief, whole-class discussion.

E: Research through a works cited process, allowing students to have evidence for their discussion.

T: Prior research can be differentiated with a number of activities provided in the Glencoe text.