The Eighth Amendment states, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Has that standard been upheld by American criminal justice institutions of the past? Is it being upheld presently?
The Engineering Achievements of Stephen De Ayala
Uncover the fascinating story of Steven De Ayala, who designed Eastern State’s eleventh cellblock while incarcerated at the penitentiary in the 1890s.
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.
Defining Justice
This 60-minute activity requires students to actively interpret Lady Justice, a symbolic statue designed to encapsulate the American criminal justice system and then define Justice using a Frayer model.
Civic Online Reasoning for the Science Classroom
Scientific misinformation abounds online. Improve students’ ability to evaluate scientific information on the internet with these curricular materials. These lessons and tasks can be used in a variety of subject areas, but we’ve compiled this group of materials specifically for science educators because they present students with science-related sources.
Traditions of the Senate: Senate Decorum
For more than 200 years, the United States Senate has held certain traditions and customs that Senators follow in order to work together in Congress. Learn about Senate decorum, or the rules about how senators behave as they work. Then, use the worksheet to make some family rules.
Activist Spotlight: Lois Gibbs and the Environmental Toxins
Read about how Lois Gibbs organized a campaign to demand that her community clean up a toxic waste dump. Then, use the worksheet to address an environmental issue in your community.
Activist Spotlight: Gary Anderson and the Recycling Movement
Read about how one person took a small step that made a big difference in the recycling movement. Then, use the worksheet to make a difference in your home.