From solitary exercise to team activities, learn more about the important role of sports at Eastern State Penitentiary including the penitentiary’s integrated baseball teams and legendary boxer turned Eastern State baseball player Charles “Jack” Blackburn.
See, Think, Wonder: Image Analysis Guide
This lesson introduces students to a structured approach for analyzing visual sources. Students will practice observational skills, evidence-based interpretation, and questioning techniques using the See, Think, Wonder strategy. This analytical framework supports critical thinking and visual literacy skills.
Girls in Detention Centers
This lesson addresses challenges facing girls in juvenile detention centers, with special attention to the disproportionate representation of girls of color (e.g., Latinx, African American). Students will examine how adverse childhood experiences and trauma can lead to involvement in the juvenile justice system. The lesson explores daily life in detention facilities, including separation from families,
Far From Home: Locations and Logistics of Women Facing Incarceration
This lesson explores the complex and far-reaching consequences of maternal incarceration. Students will examine how incarceration of mothers impacts their children through separation trauma, and how this effect is magnified for marginalized communities. The lesson addresses barriers incarcerated mothers face in reuniting with their children after release, including legal challenges, limited access to family support services, and societal stigma. Students will also investigate human rights issues related to maternal incarceration through research and discussion.
Defining Justice
This 60-minute activity requires students to actively interpret Lady Justice, a symbolic statue designed to encapsulate the American criminal justice system and then define Justice using a Frayer model.
Intro Activities for Discussions on Incarceration
This 75-minute activity explores the historical through lines between the 13th Amendment, incarceration, and prison labor including a case study analysis. Students will explore the ethics of incarceration, reflecting on rehabilitation, labor practices, prisoner wage and benefits, and workplace safety.
Reading Like a Historian Lessons for K-5
With the support of the Educating for American Democracy (EAD) participants and in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District, the Digital Inquiry Group has developed 10 new Reading Like a Historian lessons for K-5 classrooms aligned to the themes and design principles of the EAD Roadmap.
Today’s Vote: Voting Rights Restoration
In this lesson students will take on the role of senators to create, debate, and vote on new legislation regarding voting rights for formerly-incarcerated individuals in the United States.
Today’s Vote: Voting and Elections
In this lesson students will take on the role of senators to create, debate, and vote on legislation to improve election policy in the United States.
Today’s Vote: Regulation of Commercial Drones
In this lesson students will take on the role of senators to create, discuss, debate, and vote on new regulations regarding commercial drones in the United States.