Inquiry into Racial Classifications

Kristina Thompson

level: Introductory

45 minutes

Race

Message from the creator Begin lesson

Lesson Tool Kit

MATERIALS NEEDED

Classification Worksheet from PBS.org

PREWORK

Watch the PBS video "The Origin of Race in the USA"

You may also like to review the PBS "Race - The Power of Illusion" website.

Students are basing their initial classifications on their understanding of race. Facilitators should set norms for the class space that make it clear that intentional disrespect will not be tolerated. Everyone should participate with an open mind and a willingness to hear opposing opinions.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How has society framed our understanding of race?

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to analyze and reflect on how the concept of race evolved and how we classify race.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT

Before the lesson, the facilitator should preview the images and determine the proper classifications. The idea is for students to understand the stereotypes and preconceived notions that determine race in our society. This can lead to students basing their classifications off of skin color, eye shape, hair texture, nose size, etc. The facilitator should prepare the class for these conversations and explain the purpose of the lesson.

STANDARDS

Next Gen:RH7: Integrate and evaluate visual and technical information (e.g., in research data, charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

Students will be able to evaluate images of human faces and integrate their understandings of race to draw conclusions about the race of the face in each image.

While we have built each lesson and workshop sequentially, feel free to tailor your exploration of them to suit your needs. You may choose to follow a lesson as provided from beginning to end or select sections of various lessons and combine them for a different approach.