Lesson Plan

Where Did Thomas Jefferson Stand on the Issue of Slavery?

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Thomas Jefferson was a complicated man with a complex legacy. Middle schoolers examine a series of primary source documents to gather evidence for an essay in which they answer where Jefferson stood on the issue of slavery.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Begin the lesson by posting and getting reactions to Mark Anthony's line from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: "The Evil That Men Do Lives After Them; The Good is Oft Interred with their Bones"
Classroom Considerations
  • The History Lab inquiry may take one to three days depending on the number of documents instructors choose to have class members examine
  • Presumes a protocol has been established for a safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues
  • Requires copies of multiple documents
  • Presumes pupils have experience analyzing primary sources
Pros
  • Includes a step-by-step lesson outline 
  • The background essay provides evidence of Jefferson's contradictory attitudes
Cons

Common Core