Bringing it to the Classroom:
President Lincoln's proclamation granting Nathaniel Gordon a two week stay of execution lends itself to a broader discussion of the use of the death penalty in the United States. Lincoln, withholding his power to pardon, allowed Nathaniel Gordon's sentence of hanging to be carried out on February 21st, 1862 in New York City. In this lesson, students will participate in an informed discussion on the use of the death penalty within the United States, as well as the practice internationally.
As a homework assignment the night before this lesson, have students research facts about the use of the death penalty within the U.S. Have students come to class prepared with at least five facts to support their views either supporting or opposing the practice.
At the start of class, have students journal about their personal opinion regarding the death penalty as a way to solidify their viewpoint in preparation for the day's discussion.
Students will participate in an informed discussion about the death penalty using the guiding questions outlined in the Prezi. Students will be encouraged to support their opinions with the facts that they researched the night before. Students that are uncomfortable voicing their opinions on such a controversial topic in class will be encouraged to respond to the discussion questions in writing as an alternate assignment to receive credit.
As a homework assignment the night before this lesson, have students research facts about the use of the death penalty within the U.S. Have students come to class prepared with at least five facts to support their views either supporting or opposing the practice.
At the start of class, have students journal about their personal opinion regarding the death penalty as a way to solidify their viewpoint in preparation for the day's discussion.
Students will participate in an informed discussion about the death penalty using the guiding questions outlined in the Prezi. Students will be encouraged to support their opinions with the facts that they researched the night before. Students that are uncomfortable voicing their opinions on such a controversial topic in class will be encouraged to respond to the discussion questions in writing as an alternate assignment to receive credit.
At the end of class, students will close by reflecting on their views about the use of the death penalty in the United States in writing. They will explain how their views changed from the day's discussion, if at all. Finally, they will "reverse" their position and explain what they think is the most compelling argument for the other side.
Extension- Research the use of the death penalty in various countries and compare to the United States. How does the use of the death penalty vary state by state inside the U.S.? How can we account for these ideological and regional differences?
This lesson was inspired by "The Death Penalty Resource Guide" from Amnestyusa.org.
Extension- Research the use of the death penalty in various countries and compare to the United States. How does the use of the death penalty vary state by state inside the U.S.? How can we account for these ideological and regional differences?
This lesson was inspired by "The Death Penalty Resource Guide" from Amnestyusa.org.