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Subjects and topics in this lesson plan
Subjects
Topics
Lesson Plan

Extremism in America

Watch video at https://www.retroreport.org/education/video/extremism-in-america/
About this Video
Is the justice system in the United States responding to increased extremism appropriately? What is at stake? Who should address increasing violence? Students will engage in the inquiry process by developing questions related to extremism, building contextual knowledge and assessing the effectiveness of interventions to address extremism.
Content Advisory: This film and accompanying resources deal with sensitive topics that may be triggering for some students. The exploration of hate groups, white supremacy and violence are topics that should receive great care in the classroom. Some school districts may employ YouTube content filters that block the material. If you need access, please email David Olson at [email protected]
Lesson Plan: Extremism in America Student Activity: Extremism in America Collection: Extremism in America
Objectives

Students will:

  • Guide their own learning by engaging in the inquiry process
  • Examine defining moments of Extremism in the United States
  • Assess the effectiveness of various approaches to disrupt extremist ideology
Subjects
  • Civics & Government
  • U.S. History
  • Social Studies
Topics
  • 1990s America
  • 1980s America
  • Criminal Justice
  • Gun Violence
  • Barack Obama
  • Terrorism
  • Race in U.S. History
  • Civics and Government
  • U.S. History
For Teachers
Essential Questions
  • What is likely to happen if acts of hate and bias are allowed to escalate unchecked?
  • What are some effective methods of protecting against extremist ideology?
Additional Resources
Pyramid of Hate (Scaffolded Version) Anti-Defamation League
National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism (Pages 15-29) The White House
F.B.I.- “Strategic Intelligence Assessment and Data on Domestic Terrorism” Federal Bureau of Investigation
Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships U.S. Department of Homeland Security
What is the QFT? Right Question Institute
Explanation of the TEA Method AVUHSD Moodle
Standards (National Council for the Social Studies C3 Framework)

Explain points of agreement and disagreement experts have about interpretations and applications of disciplinary concepts and ideas associated with a supporting question.

Explain how supporting questions contribute to an inquiry and how, through engaging source work, new compelling and supporting questions emerge.

Evaluate multiple procedures for making governmental decisions at the local, state, national, and international levels in terms of the civic purposes achieved.

Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights.

Evaluate citizens’ and institutions’ effectiveness in addressing social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international level.

Evaluate social and political systems in different contexts, times, and places, that promote civic virtues and enact democratic principles.

Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.

Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.

Integrate evidence from multiple relevant historical sources and interpretations into a reasoned argument about the past.

Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.

Analyze how historical contexts shaped and continue to shape people’s perspectives.

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Questions? Tips? Concerns? Reach out to our Director of Education, David Olson: [email protected]