In the right column, explain how you feel race or ethnic background is involved in the discussion of this issue. Students then share their answers. Create a list on the board of student responses for use in a later class activity. The article details Sims' presentation to a group of middle school students. Divide students into pairs or small groups of three, and assign each group one of the topics on the list from the warm-up activity.
Groups complete their research.
Each student then develops a brief campaign speech voicing his or her stance on the topic that includes all of the information gained through research. Students should present their speeches in a future class and discuss their views in a roundtable discussion. Students will be evaluated based on initial journal response, participation in class discussions, and research-based campaign speeches focusing on political topics that often involve discussions of race and ethnicity. Create an illustrated timeline about voting rights in American history. Include biographies of important people who helped in the fight for voting rights for all Americans, as well as brief summaries of important legislative measures passed to guarantee these rights.