Elementary Diversity Unit Plan By: Jennifer Derevjanik
Level 2: The Additive Approach Aim: What role did the segregation play in the US Army during WWII? Students will learn from a photograph of soldiers eating in separate rooms from other races, an article and class discussion on the segregation in the army of African American soldiers and white soldiers. Students will be able to define segregation, discuss implications caused by segregation and investigate evidence through past events through analysis of a photograph.
Level 1: The Contributions Approach Aim: What strides did the Tuskegee Airmen make for desegregation in the US Army? Students will have class discussion, read an article and watch a video to learn about the contributions Tuskegee Airmen made, not only in the war but with helping desegregating the US army. Students will be able to organize history and facts on the airmen, analyze a video and article and construct an essay reflecting on desegregation.
Level 3: The Transformation Approach Aim: How did the Tuskegee Airmen feel about fighting for their country while facing discrimination? Students will learn about the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions in the US army by class discussions and a video interview with Tuskegee Airmen John Mulzac. Students will be able to express reactions to the airmen’s experience, Justify the airmen’s decisions, and discuss the experience of the airmen through their point of view.
Level 4: The Social Action Approach Aim: What can be done to lessen the racial divides that are still present in many cities, communities and schools? Students will discuss other heroes that help desegregate America. They will discuss how segregation still exist in our society and they will formulate a plan on how to desegregate their community.
Students will be able to… Describe the role segregation played on army men during the Second World War. Analyze how the racial adversity faced by the Tuskegee Airmen helped to further propel desegregation in the United States. Recognize the unique perspective the Tuskegee Airmen had; facing discrimination from the country they were risking their lives for Compare and contrast racial and social divides now to back in the 1940’s, both advancements and impediments. Construct a plan of action that tackles social divides which are still present in many communities today.
Segregation still exist today! We must teach our students that they can help make a difference in creating a society that has no privileges and everyone is born equal no matter their race, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender. Students need to learn that no matter who tells them they will not be able to do something, if they work hard and believe, they can make a difference in helping change our society!!