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LESSON PLAN

Nov. 29, 2007

Moment of Silence

Topic: Values and principles of American democracy; 2. Religion, belief systems, and values

Standard 4:Understands how democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols

Benchmark 3.  Understands ways in which such fundamental values as fairness, protection of individual rights, and responsibility for the common good have been applied by different groups of people (e.g., students and personnel in the local school)

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was separation of church and state so important for the founding fathers to include in the Constitution?

  2. Do you think this Illinois law of having students 'pause and reflect' violates the First Amendment?

  3. Do you believe that a moment for 'pausing and reflecting' is religious?

  4. Do you think that 'pausing and reflecting' is a waste of learning time?

  5. Would you like your school to require students to pause and reflect?

Media Literacy

Freedom of religion and the separation of church and state are two parts of the First Amendment. Why do you think Channel One thought this story related to you?


Writing Experience

Imagine that your school required students to have a moment of silence. Write one paragraphs explaining why you believe this is a good or bad idea.

 


Vocabulary

- First Amendment

- Atheist

- Establishment Clause

- Unconstitutional

- Overturned

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