Preparing to Discuss Race in the Classroom
Use this lesson to help create a classroom environment in which students can discuss the potentially challenging topic of race in brave and constructive ways.
Staging the Compelling Question
Students are introduced to the themes of the compelling question by exploring the concept of borders and learning about the Chinese Exclusion Act.
![Long border fence.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Long_border_fence_FH2185286.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=ouYCfOSu)
Supporting Question 1: The History of the Angel Island Immigration Station
Students explore the supporting question “How did the Angel Island Immigration Station both reflect and enforce borders within American society?”
![Captain examines passengers aboard the The Shimyo Maru vessel.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Examining_Passengers_Among_The_Shimyo_Maru_1931_FH2186864.jpg?h=d71efc7d&itok=qdqQhkml)
Supporting Question 2: The Impacts of Detention on Immigrants and Their Descendants
Students explore the supporting question “How did border enforcement at the Angel Island Immigration Station impact immigrants and their descendants?”
![Angel Island Immigration Station Graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Immigration_Station_Graphic_FH2185645.jpeg?h=76207c4d&itok=ATkcH65D)
Supporting Question 3: Navigating the Borders of National Belonging
Students explore the supporting question “How does the history of immigration through Angel Island help us understand how we create and challenge borders today?”
![Kala Bagai Way Banner](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Kala_Baigai_Way_Banner_Cropped_FH2186768.jpg?h=48f19a7c&itok=AB3iL2ea)
Summative Performance Task & Taking Informed Action
Students culminate their arc of inquiry into the Angel Island Immigration Station by completing a C3-aligned Summative Performance Task and Taking Informed Action.
![Two students work together in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/San_Jose_Los_Angeles_Classroom_2018_FH287170.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=lguXCLfy)
Civic Self-Portrait
Students reflect on the meaning of civic participation and create a self-portrait that helps them visualize the elements of being a civic agent.
![Picture of students writing in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Facing-History_SJLA_218.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QW12Ek9J)
Antisemitic Conflation: What Is the Impact of Conflating All Jews with the Actions and Policies of the Israeli Government?
Students start with the universal and move to the particular to learn about conflation as a manifestation of antisemitism.
![A broken window is seen at the center of the Jewish community in Rostock, Northern Germany](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/AP090108014177.jpg?h=e012f517&itok=W-33MNGT)
Forging Jewish Identity as a Minority
This two-day lesson introduces students to the richness and complexity of Jewish identity.
![Transgender and non-binary teen friends hanging out at home.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/JEPlesson1.jpg?h=a49d782d&itok=Iq4Euu9Q)
Monuments to Japanese American Incarceration
Students analyze monuments to Japanese American incarceration and consider the purpose and emotional impact of these monuments.
![Japanese Incarceration Monument](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/JapaneseIncarcerationMonument1.jpg?h=91ceaae5&itok=xzAXeBLF)
Words Matter: Listening to Survivors about Language for Describing Japanese American Incarceration
Students contrast the language that the US government used to describe Japanese incarceration in the 1940s with the language recommended by contemporary survivors’ groups.
![Members Of The Mochida Family Awaiting Evacuation](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/Photograph_of_Members_of_the_Mochida_Family_Awaiting_Evacuation_NARA_537505_Restoration.jpg?h=8bdc8e92&itok=wap_KUmV)