Female imprisonment is on the rise in the United States, surpassing global rates. Why is this? Consider the historical context of women in prison, and discover the unique challenges faced by women as they navigate life within correctional facilities primarily designed for men.
Unlocking History: Sports at Eastern State Penitentiary
From solitary exercise to team activities, learn more about the important role of sports at Eastern State Penitentiary including the penitentiary’s integrated baseball teams and legendary boxer turned Eastern State baseball player Charles “Jack” Blackburn.
Girls in Detention Centers
This lesson addresses challenges facing girls in juvenile detention centers, with special attention to the disproportionate representation of girls of color (e.g., Latinx, African American). Students will examine how adverse childhood experiences and trauma can lead to involvement in the juvenile justice system. The lesson explores daily life in detention facilities, including separation from families,
Far From Home: Locations and Logistics of Women Facing Incarceration
This lesson explores the complex and far-reaching consequences of maternal incarceration. Students will examine how incarceration of mothers impacts their children through separation trauma, and how this effect is magnified for marginalized communities. The lesson addresses barriers incarcerated mothers face in reuniting with their children after release, including legal challenges, limited access to family support services, and societal stigma. Students will also investigate human rights issues related to maternal incarceration through research and discussion.
Reading Like a Historian Lessons for K-5
With the support of the Educating for American Democracy (EAD) participants and in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District, the Digital Inquiry Group has developed 10 new Reading Like a Historian lessons for K-5 classrooms aligned to the themes and design principles of the EAD Roadmap.
Reading Like a Historian with Digital Literacy
10 new Reading Like a Historian lessons with formative assessments that incorporate digital literacy in the history classroom.
A Seat at the Table Civic Art Project
This lesson plan is designed to help you facilitate the design and creation of your class’s chairs—your “seats at the table” of representative democracy.
From Her Beacon Civic Art Project
Students will work collaboratively to create a mural of the Statue of Liberty to show the statue as a representation of freedom and a symbol of welcome to immigrants coming from other countries.
Voting Rights in America Timeline
This timeline explores when different groups of Americans gained the right to vote.
Women’s Fight for Suffrage
Learn about women’s fight for the right to vote in the United States including major leaders and strategies of the women’s suffrage movement.