1. Philosophers X-Ray Poster Activity
Secondary
World History
Philosophers X-Ray Poster Activity
What is the ideal form of government?

2. Teacher Preparation Copy 1-per-student : WORKSHEET: Philosophers
Copy 4-of-each: AUTOBIOGRAPHIES (place in folders titled with name of philosophers)
Copy 1-per group: DIRECTIONS/RUBRIC
Copy 1-per student: TEMPLATE/GIVE-ONE-GET-ONE
Cut 1-per group: large, white poster paper

3. Teacher Instructions
Review the Introduction to the Enlightenment presentation.
Review the Directions for the X-Ray poster with the class and pass out the following:
Worksheet: X-Ray Poster Template (1-per-student)
Directions/Rubric (1-per-group)
Large, white poster paper (1-per-group)
Crayons and/or markers
When students complete poster have them hang the posters around the room and begin gallery walk. Students will take notes on the corresponding worksheet: Philosophers Chart.
Discuss the review questions as a wrap-up activity.
As a “Ticket-out-the-Door” have students complete the give-one-get-one worksheet
To assess your students knowledge, give them the Quiz: Philosophers the next day.
* Time for entire activity = about 3 hours

4. Introduction to the Enlightenment

5. Opening Activity Describe the 2 pictures.
Who do you think these people are?
Why are they the rulers?
How would these paintings make you feel if you were poor?

6. Objective
Students will be able to analyze the importance of philosophers on Western political thought by creating an X-Ray poster.

7. Film Clip: The Enlightenment

8. What it was like before the Enlightenment?
Absolute monarchs ruled
Believed God gave them the right to be the ruler (Devine Right)
They had absolute (total) power

9. What was it?
Philosophers in Europe used reason to understand the world
They said that God did not give people the right to rule
Instead, the right to rule came from the people
An intellectual movement; thinkers used reason and the scientific method to help them understand their world especially in government.

10. When did it occur?
17th and 18th centuries
(1600’s & 1700’s)

11. Where did it start?
Started in Europe; spread across the world

12. Why is it important? Enlightenment ideas were used around the world:
They inspired the:
American Revolution
French Revolution

14. Film Clip: Enlightenment Philosophers

15. Philosophers X-Ray Poster Activity

16. Sample Poster
Flap
Information from
stomach

17. Grading Rubric 4 Awesome 3 Acceptable 2 Minimal 1 Unacceptable  
4 Awesome
3 Acceptable
2 Minimal
1 Unacceptable
Content: All assigned content is included and is accurate.
Design: Logical and easy to read; layout complements
content. All directions were followed.
Visual Appeal: Illustration looks similar to leader. Pleasing use of color, shapes and symbols

18. Directions for X-Ray Poster
STEP 1: Make sure each group member knows his or her role:
Reader & Researcher Reads aloud or assigns students to read the written information. Gathers more information from outside sources if necessary. Contributes ideas throughout the activity.
Facilitator Leads group discussion throughout the activity. Makes sure all group members contribute ideas for the project and all members are working at ALL times. You will delegate tasks if necessary. Contributes ideas throughout the activity.
Artist Responsible for deciding the look of the overall project and assigns specific “artistic” duties for each group member. Is responsible for getting and putting away all supplies. Contributes ideas throughout the activity.
Writer: Is responsible for completing the template with the help of the other group members. Contributes ideas throughout the activity.
STEP 2: Read and discuss the biographical briefing about your group’s assigned philosopher.
STEP 3: Complete X-Ray poster template. Make sure all group members contribute ideas.
STEP 4: Review the grading rubric and begin creating your X-Ray Poster.
All groups members should be working at all times!

19. Gallery Walk
When you have finished your x-ray poster, post it on the wall – two feet from other posters. Walk around the room viewing all the posters of the philosophers and complete the corresponding worksheet.

20. Review Questions:
1. What were the different forms of government the thinkers promoted? 2. Which thinkers believed most strongly that people can be trusted to govern? Why? 3. Which thinkers believed most strongly that people cannot be trusted to govern? Why? 4. Whose ideas do you like best? Why? Whose ideas do you like least? Why? 5. Which of the thinkers’ ideas have been most influential in the modern development of democracy?