
This unit begins following the reading of a historical fiction, Journey to Topaz (independent, and/or read aloud, 6-8th grade interest level and 6.8 reading level). The book by author Yoshiko Uchida introduces readers to a Japanese-American family forced to go to an enemy alien’s camp after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The study includes an investigation of Constitutional Amendments as they relate to decisions made at a time of war. They “continue” the story through their own dramatic enactment and analysis of the facts of the internment and Constitutional law, which includes a mock trial.
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Democracy Calls for Equal Justice Under the Law
A note regarding standards: Depending upon how a teacher wishes to approach this unit, multiple standards can be met, introduced, or reviewed/reinforced in different content areas. In addition, there are more standards at other grade levels that teachers will find are a “match” for this unit. The most important thing is that you know your desired results, follow your plan and make sure that your objectives match with your standards!
4.5.3: Describe the similarities (e.g., written documents, rule of law, consent of the governed, three separate branches) and differences … among federal state, and local governments.
5.7.5: Discuss the meaning of the American creed that calls on citizens to safeguard the liberty of individual Americans within a unified nation, to respect the rule of law, and to preserve the Constitution.
8.2.2: Students analyze the political principles underling the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government. Analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution and the success of each in implementing the ideal of the Declaration of Independence.
8.2.6: Students analyze the political principles underling the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government. Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights.
10.8.6: Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II. Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
11.7.5: Students analyze American’s participation in World War II. Discuss the constitutional issues and impact of events on the U.S. home front, including the internment of Japanese Americans (e.g., Fred Korematsu v. United States of America) and the restrictions on German and Italian resident aliens; the response of the administration to Hitler’s atrocities against Jews and other groups; the role of women in military production; and the roles and growing political demands of African Americans.
12.2.1: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured. Discuss the meaning and importance of each of the Rights and how each is secured (e.g., freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition, privacy).
*Note: Depending on instruction with Reading Standards for Literature ELA, many standards not listed below should be addressed by the teacher during the reading of the book. The intent of this unit is to extend the reading, and provide critical thinking and analysis of the historical event related to the understanding of the Constitution.
(Specific grade level standards within these subtitles are written to provide developmentally appropriate details)
(Specific grade level standards within these subtitles are written to provide developmentally appropriate details)
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