Friday, September 5, 2008
The Essential Question
I really like this concept for social studies. Great questions are invaluable. For various reasons the essential question gets me thinking and more importantly my kids thinking. For this prompt I would like you to simply post your EQ that you derived from the EQ exercise and "justify" why it is an EQ using the criteria on page 91. For example an EQ from my unit on the 1920's: "Can government influence morality in a free and democratic society" I would justify this by saying it is indeed an EQ because it has no one right answer (this is not an exercise in post-modern thinking either). I could also justify it because it raises other important questions. For example how much of the "Republican and Democratic convention talk" was about moral issues and what government might do?
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Essential Question: Can the example of the improvement of ties between the United States and Libya be applied by the U.S. to improve relations with other countries in the world? If so, how?
This is an essential question because there is not just one correct answer to the question. It is likely that every student would provide a different response to the question. Some students may argue that the model of U.S. and Libyan relations can be applied to the United States’ relations with other countries, but other students may argue that the situation between the United States and Libya is a unique situation which provides limited insight into how the U.S. could improve its relations with other countries. The students would also provide varied responses as to how the model of U.S. and Libyan relations could be applied to U.S. relations with other countries. They might suggest that the U.S. could seek an improvement in its relations with Iran if they eliminate their support of terrorism as Gadhafi did in Libya. The students might also suggest that the U.S. may seek improved relations with North Korea if they completely halt their nuclear program as Gadhafi did.
This is also an essential question because it provokes other questions from the students. For example, has the United States employed a similar strategy to improve relations with other countries in the past? The students may also ask whether the improvement in Libyan and U.S. relations can be deemed a success when the process is still in its relative infancy.
Title of Broadcast- Paying Homage to the Wrights Military Plane
Topic: America's First Military Plane in 1908
Essential Question: "How has technological innovation help to make our world a better place?"
and
"How has technological innovation contributed to making the world a worse place?"
These are very broad, open-ended questions aimed towards 9th grade standards. These questions force students to think about what technology is and how it effects their lives. This is also a very big idea and allows students to create opinions that will most likely be different from each other student. Students could easily argue about responses and could very easily create ongoing discussion.
Topic: The War Zone- The broadcast interviewed U.S. military survivors of WWII and the horrors of war.
Essential Question: How does war affect people who serve in battle and on the home front?
This is an essential question because it can't be answered by saying yes or no. The question reflects a big idea and will lend itself to different opinions in the class. This question could lend itself to an interesting debate on how war affects everyone differently from family issues to the economic impact of war. Students can compare and contrast how the impact of war has changed through time because of technological advances. Lastly, it is an essential question because there is not one correct response.
Topic: The War Zone- The broadcast interviewed U.S. military survivors of WWII and the horrors of war.
Essential Question: How does war affect people who serve in battle and on the home front?
This is an essential question because it can't be answered by saying yes or no. The question reflects a big idea and will lend itself to different opinions in the class. This question could lend itself to an interesting debate on how war affects everyone differently from family issues to the economic impact of war. Students can compare and contrast how the impact of war has changed through time because of technological advances. Lastly, it is an essential question because there is not one correct response.
Title: Economy: Government to Bail Out Mortgage Giants
Quick Summary: Broadcast was concerning the government decision to take over the companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Essential Question: Who is effected by this decision, investors, stock holders, the government, our relationship with the government in terms of the Market?
- This question can produce many viewpoints and perspectives that the class can grow in understanding by listening to the findings of each other and how they perceive change will come. This question touches on Scarcity and choice and looks at Analyzing the opportunity of cost decisions by individuals, businesses communities and nations.
Also I would ask if government intervention in these two large companies relates to any other period of U.S. history?
-Students can use their skills of comparison to try and link this to some other important government decision in our history.
These are both essential questions because they require the student to not only analyze the situation critically, but also to compare periods in history, think about cause and effect relationship in the market system, and decide whether is it 'right' for the government to interfere in the affairs of private investors. These questions can be answered in limitless ways.
Broadcast: China, Congo Trade For What The Other Wants
Essential Question: Do past imperialistic attitudes and actions of Western powers affect current international relations? If so, how?
This is an essential question because it does not have one right answer. It can be argued either yes or no and there are a variety of ways to justify either the yes or the no answer. It is designed to provoke student inquiry while focusing students on the current content. It would build on students' knowledge of previous units(Imperialism.
Essential Question: Should the United States spread democracy to countries without it?
I think that this essential question is a good one for social studies students. The question makes you think whether the importance of democracy is worth fighting over and spilling blood for others. This is an essential question because there is not a decisive yes or no answer to the question. Points can be made for both sides of the argument. It also raises important questions. What is democracy? How important is democracy? Is it worth fighting a war over? Does we have a right to change a country? These questions stimulate thinking and make you look at both sides of the issue. I think this would be a good essential question for high school students to stimulate a discussion about current events, or past events.
Essential Question: Do you think that capitalism and democracy are synonymously in this country? And if so do you believe that democracy and capitalism are synonymous?
I believe that this Question would generate a lot of class discussion and a wide variety of answers from one spectrum to another. For on one side there would be an argument that in order for countries to become free they need to participate in capitalism. I believe that the United states government would have most believe this. However on the other side I believe that there would be arguments that capitalism gives rise to a concentration of power and therefore a lack of freedom.
I would hope that I could get the students to separate into teams and do heavy research to present their case. Also students might bring forth new ideas for a different system that perhaps might lead to actual freedom, because after all isn't democracy just a word if people are starving?
Topic: American Government
Essential Question: Is the Electoral College an obsolete institution? Can ordinary citizens be wholly responsible for the government they elect?
This is perhaps THE essential question of United States government. There are many people today that would like to see the Electoral College disbanded for good, but still others who insist that a pure democracy would result in a "tyranny of the majority". Though the question may, at present, be decided (We obviously HAVE the Electoral College), the debate that surrounds it still refuses to go away.
This kind of question asks students to consider the kind of government we have, and also question whether the current system is adequate. In addition, it provokes further understanding of concepts like Tocqueville's "Tyranny of the Majority" as well as the history behind the American Experiment, and why the founders decided upon the system they did.
NPR Broadcast- The Home Front
Quick Summary- Different women discussed growing up during war. These women had husbands, brothers, and fathers drafted into the war, and most of them lost their lives in battle. The women discussed the hardships, realities and horrors of living at home while a loved one is fighting for their country, not by choice, but because of the mandatory draft.
Essential Question- Should the draft be reinstated? Why or why not? Is the draft better than a voluntary army? Why or why not?
This is an essential question because it follows every single “essential question guidelines” on page 91. This question has no right answer because it is a matter of opinion that is based on facts for and against the draft. Students will have to decide for themselves and weigh the effect of the draft in a historical context and a personal rights issue- does the government have a right to tell you to fight in a war? This question would spark a lot of debate among students and it will raise other questions about history, civics, government and civil liberties/responsibilities.
EQ: How has the pick of Palin for VP influenced or changed the current concepts of feminism in regards to politics, or has it failed in its intended outcome?
The question itself is a bit open ended and free to multiple interpretations. It does stimulate critical thinking through the fact that the majority of people will have an opinion on the subject and reasons to back up their views. Also with the current events surrounding the topic, more questions will be raised while still many others are answered. There is a broad focus on the influence of feminism and politics, and yet it is also refinable down to Palin's effects on the matter.
Title of Broadcast: All things considered
Essential Question: How will the government take over of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae affect the U.S. tax payers?
This questions meets all of the criteria on page 91 to be a essential question. This question is relatively open ended in that no one truly knows what exactly will come of this event. Their are so many variables as to what may happen that accurate prediction is near impossible. Also depending on what comes out of this event, there will be a multitude of follow on questions spawned from this original one.
An example of a follow on question that would eventually come from this original question would be: How will these tax payers then respond and effect the house/stock market?
Program: "The War Zone"
Essential Question: Are the psychological, physical, familial, and environmental consequences of war worth the fight?
This is an essential question because it can be a highly contested debate since every military conflict has different results but the same consequences. There must be an immense amount of philosophical and higher level thinking to tackle such a question; yet, it is very important since it links both history with contemporary events.
This kind of essential question can provoke other inquiries and force students to rethink ideas and incorporate previous lessons.
Essential Question: Is it ethical or wise for a convicted murder and former mafioso to receive a reduced sentence or special treatment in exchange for information?
Justification: I love this question, because it is certain to spark heated debate in any law or government class. It will encourage students on both sides of the argument to reference various laws and legal procedures to support their opinion. The appeals process will likely come up, along with the ever-intriguing idea of witness protection. Some students will probably fall back on what they know from movies and other media, so this presents the perfect opportunity to correct any Hollywood dramatizations of our justice system. It will also raise the issue of whether or not the idea of "justice" is negotiable. After all, the crimes that this man committed have not changed. However, he has turned over a new leaf and proved immensely helpful to the authorities. This debate could go on indefinitely. As a teacher playing the role of debate facilitator, you could probably lead this to a discussion on the philosophies behind our legal system today. That can then tie into history, taking the students back as far as the Magna Carta or even Roman law. I would probably pose this to a 12th grade class, because by then the students are assumed to have prior instruction in government. There is so much potential in this question, and I have no doubt that everyone will have a different answer and justification. It will encourage students to consider more in depth, and possibly beyond, what they already know.
Topic: The Cold War - From the end of World War II to the removal of the Berlin Wall.
Essential question: Was the Cold War a military, social, and ideological necessity or was it a means of control over other nations by the United States and the Soviet Union.
I believe this is an important question to ask because history should never just be assumed to be correct. Just because we are told a reason for involvement by the government or other people, does not rule out the possibility of other motives. This type of question encourages critical thinking and questioning of the environment we take for granted. There is no right or wrong answer, but in the process of trying to discover the answer, students should end up reinforcing main ideas from the unit such as conflicts or social consequences.
Broadcast: Those willing to switch party registrations
Topic: Barack Obama campaigning to have republicans and independents switch their party affiliation to Democrat
Essential Question: Is this a fair campaign tactic?
This remains an essential question because this would lead to a great discussion among 12th grade students, which the standards apply too, on whether or not this is a fair tactic. Barack Obama is using his volunteers to attempt to have registered republicans and independents switch to that of Democrat. Students could argue that this is a con on Obama's half and others could argue that its fair because we live in a democratic society where party affiliation does not determine how an individual votes. The discussion could also lead into how large a role and effect political parties have on campaigns for public office. Also I think I would also turn this into a discussion not only on campaigning and certain elements of historical campaigns, but also the importance on voting.
This question could lead to a variety of talking points and issues. It would satisfy the 12th grade standards of evaluating the importance of and ideals of civic life, i.e. voting, the evaluation of the roles of political parties in campaigns, and the evaluation of elements of the election process. Campaign tactics and registering people to vote would not only satisfy these standards, but would also create a great discussion among High School students.
Topic: Middle East
Broadcast: Concern Growns over Honor Killings
Summary:
The NPR broadcast was about a young girl that was kidnapped in Iraq. The kidnappers gave her brother the ultimatum to either quit the force or the girl would be killed. When the young girl fatima was returned her family was forced to secured there honor and the family killed the young girl when she was returned. The video goes into the traditions of the tribe and discusses the idea of honor killings. The girl was killed because she had brought shame to the family because she may have been raped by her kidnappers.
Essential Question:
Can the idea of a honor killings be excusable given the culture that this action takes place in? Do you believe that the reasons for the killings go against the teachings of the Quran?
This multi part question is an essential question because like many have said before me, there is no right or wrong answer. The question would allow for an open disussion of whether it such killings are justified and the video. The video is also good because it is somehow unbiased and shows both points of view and explains the reasoning behind such killings.
Broadcast: Morning Edition: Election 2008 – Palin’s Nomination Fuels Debate Among Working Mom’s
Essential Question: How does the issues being raised with Gov. Palin compare with issues of the Women’s Movement?
This is an essential question due to the amibuity of the answer. The question is ment to have no right answer and initiate discussion. While many students might see the connections between the two events, the reasons 'why' are what will be different. Students will be required to pull in supporting eveidence from past events and current events to support their conclusions.
Topic: Impact of War
Essential Question: Is enlisting in the army a way out of poverty for stricken families in America?
I believe this to be an essential question because it’s very open, broad, opinionated, and could have multiple answer. For some students would say he could go to college, but then he has a wife and child he needs to support. Another way is yes it’s the only way, but I could then argue about family and government support. These questions can be backed up in many different ways by students. This can then lead to talk about programs that help veterans or types of government systems to help people who are in the army. So this question could also be used on multiple levels to talk about a variety of subjects.
Topic: Sarah Palin: New Face of Femanism (All Things Considered)
Essential Question: How has Sarah Palin accepting the Republican Vice Presidential nomination changed the election?
This is an essential question because it is very broad and open ended. Students could answer it in many different ways and it is primarily an opinion question, unless the answer given is that it does not have any effect on the election. It also can lead to many other questions such as..."How are women looked at in politics?, How is this election going to shape history?...and so on.
Essential Question: Why is it important that the American Government stands behind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
There is no 'right' answer to this question. In fact, you could argue against the US government standing between these two mortgage giants. Reasons for supporting or not supporting are widespread, including that loans would be harder to get, or its a good thing that giant companies that have a controlling effect on the American economic field are broken up.
This question is thought provoking, and by researching it students would learn more about it along with information for other disciplines.
Economics as a whole is discussed in this question, as well as the role of governments in a free-market economy. Should they have a role at all? Global interdependence, and economic relationships between countries. Other important questions are brought up by researching this question.
This EQ is also appropriate because its a modern day economic problem. It is happening in real time were a definite answer is not happened yet, only time will tell. Also, economic problems of today will be the effecting todays students once they are old enough. This is important as a means of retaining focus because students realize it will be effecting them.
EQ: Was the use of the atomic bomb to end WWII against Japan justified? Or was it simply a stunt to create U.S. arms dominance in the impending Cold War with Russia?
I believe this is an essential question because it has many different opinions and avenues of thought. Obviously, there is no straight answer and students can engage in a healthy debate over this. Also, this question is useful because it is a nice bridge from the end of WWII leading into the Cold War. The allows students to make connections between both conflicts.
Topic:Housing, and the Government Takeover of Troubled Mortgage Giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Essential Question: Is it the governments responsibility to intervene when a large corporation, such as Fannie Mae, enters financial peril in a free market economy? Even more general, what is, and what is not the responsibility of the government?
This is an essential question because it highlights a question as old as this country, what is the role of government? Various schools of thought concerning economics, social stability and government provide multiple viewpoints and ideas regarding this event. For example a fiscally conservative approach would be to interfere in the market as least as possible. This is not the case however, since the government did intervene in this market crisis. Discussing an event such as this one would lead to better understandings of the positives and negatives of government intervention, and what government intervention actually is. It would allow students to critically analyze and question what the government should and should not be involved in. From this point students could utilize various other events in history where government intervention helped, or further agitated the problem at hand. Material like this would be rich for debates, position papers and further exploration. It would allow students to ask one of the fundamental aspects of our governmental structure, what is the responsibility of the government. Since there is no correct answer, students would be encouraged to understand the fiscal political spectrum, the role of government, and the sensitivity of the market to large scale bankruptcy.
Essential Question: Will Hilary Clinton's choice to not take shots at Republican Vice President hopeful Sarah Palin be more beneficial to the Democratic party?
I believe this is an essential question because there is no right or wrong answer and it is meant to be argued. A classroom full of students would be able to get into a nice debate over this question. It would be interesting to see the debate between boys and girls as well as conservatives and liberals. This would provokes students interests as they debate one another while learning at the same time. This could possibly raise other questions such as: What if she did decide to attack Palin? or Do people believe that maybe Hilary would be happy to see a women vice president? This essential question explores one major idea but also processes within particular subjects. I also believe it would be very helpful as kids would be opened up to other ideas other then their own.
Topic: The War Front
EQ: How do you respond to a soldier returning from war?
This is an essential question because there are many views on this. Depending on a student's background and previous experience, one answer can be opposite of another student's answer. This question gives the chance for students to share their own opinions and even add in their previous experience. It also has been part of many case studies, particularly with the current war our country is in, and because of this, expert opinion can help support an answer.
It also takes into account that during each war there are social issues always changing, and a way one would respond to a soldier returning after WWII would be different than a veteran from the Vietnam War.
The question can also bring in ethical points of view and may even change a students perspective if unaware of some of the consequences. This question will hopefully get each student to interact and take part in the question as not each student is alike and shares the same views.
Really interesting to read your EQ's. I am at parent's night now which is a great time I think to not only discuss your procedures and assessment practices but also some of your pedagogical practices. Yes..you guessed it I discussed the value of EQ's. How we use them...for unit design, formative checkups...and later...essay prompts.
Anyway...be careful not to make your EQ rhetorical either. Finally I saw a few on this blog that were not based on NPR. I want you to harvest some of the ideas and questions that sculpt how we make sense of our world. If yours was not based on a story try this exercise again and re-post. Gregory's is a perfect model for how to do this. The confernce with Libya was interesting development in diplomacy...a nation that was a terrorist sponsering state in the 80's to this improved relationship. Can this be the model rather than what we have witnessed in the last few years? And it goes both ways can other nations with a Libya type cast look a the progress and benifits of turning a new leaf?
Essential Question: What should be the dynamic of our soldiers in the army? Should students be in the Army?
This is an essential question because around the world and through history students have been treated differently. Students are looked upon as being different. Whether this is right or wrong is not the question. But rather should the two disciplines be seperated. Our government offers much support for students if they join the army. Which brings in the idea that we are one of only a couple countries that don't abide by the UN rules that underagers should not be recruited. I believe this is an important question to be discussed, therefore being an essential question.
Title of Program-The war zone
EQ:Why is it important to listen to the past and the pasts stories such as the one that we have just heard?
I believe that this is an esential question becuase I believe that it gets students thinking and talking about history and two they can take the stories that they just heard and understand the point of view that the soldiers may have had while they were in the war. They can take the experience of listening to someone that has lived the history and use that to create a good picture of that particular time in history.
Essential Question: Is the deteriorating situation between Venezuela, Bolivia, and the United States a direct failure of past U.S. policy and geopolitics in Latin America? If so can we apply this lesson to our involvement in geopolitics in the middle east? Also how does the crude oil situation in Venezuela impact our economy and possible policy options?
This is an example of an essential question because there is no exact answer. The answers may be as varried as kids in the class. I consider it an essential question because the kids would have to use critical thinking skills and apply knowledge from other content areas to formulate an acceptable answer. My guess is that some kids may suggest that it is a direct failure of the past policy in Latin America while others perhaps suggest it is the current leaders in all three countries. Also may suggest that being influential in creating governments in Latin America was faulty as will creating governments in the Middle East might be.
Title of Broadcast: Financial Giants Falling: Lehman, Merrill Lynch, AIG
Topic: An initial look at the events that took place in the stock exchange over the course of this past weekend, and how these changes are projected to effect the market in both the short and long run
Essential Question : How does the stock market now, in the midst of this weekends activities, compare to the stock market this time last year, or two years ago, or even five or ten years ago? What major events have occurred to cause this change?
Standard: 6.2.12 D. Evaluate changes in economic institutions over time.
This is an essential question because there is no right or wrong answer for the students to give. It is open to interpretation. This question encourages students to learn more about the stock market through a historical context in order to produce support for their main ideas or arguments. The essential question raises the more important ideas such as that of a trend in economics. Finally, this question can be revisited over the course of one's education as it builds on prior knowledge in history, economics, and government.
EQ:
Can we view various periods where genocide was an issue in world history and learn from them to help prevent it in the future?
This is an essential question because it will enable students to think about history and formulate a variety of attitudes and answers. Students would be able to study periods during World War II, Rwandan history, Iraqi or Sudanese history. They could compare and contrast each period, and come to some conclusions about how horrible this deliberate destruction of a culture or group of people really is.
Students could take what they have learned, and apply it to situations that are ongoing today, like that of Darfur, and even for the future. This assignment could really open the eyes to students, and allow them to really think about the world, and some of the horrors that exist in it. This realization could help encourage students to attempt to bring change to their own lives, communities, and maybe even the world.
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