What’s in a Bias?

Using primary documents, students investigate both sides of a conflict. Teachers choose whether students debate the issue in class or write an article explaining what happened – all facilitated by a Castle representative.

Lesson Target(s):

• I CAN identify bias in my own opinions
• I CAN read and interpret primary documents and information provided by Castle in the Clouds
• I CAN discuss Lucknow history during the Spite Fence incident or during the workers’ riot incident
• I CAN engage in a classroom debate using the provided resources OR
• I CAN create a bias-free and fact-based article using the provided resources

Guiding Question(s):

• What would you be willing to fight for or take a stance on?
• How do biases form opinions?
• What did you learn about your own biases?

Standard(s):

CCSS – History
D2.His.8.9-12. Analyze how current interpretations of the past are limited by the extent to which available historical sources represent perspectives of people at the time. 

D2.His.2.6-8 Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.

D2.His.3.6-8 Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.

CCSS -ELA   (Gr. 9-12)

CCSS.R.I. Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.

R.I.1.  Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

R.I. 7. Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person’s life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account

R.I. 10 By the end of grades 9-12, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 9-12-CCR text complexity band proficiently, independently and proficiently.

CCSS- Writing (Gr. 11-12)
CCSS. W.1  Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Castle Theme(s):

• Life at Lucknow represented a unique blend of opposing values, successfully embracing the contrasts of tradition and modernity, as well as nature versus technology.
• The area’s geological history has contributed to the property’s beautiful landscape and views that have inspired so many.

Castle in the Clouds gratefully acknowledges these generous funders for their support of our Educational Programming Initiatives:

Marriott Daughters Foundation
The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation
The Foss Family Foundation
The Allan and Gail Gerrish Fund
The Haynes Family Foundation
The Kathleen B. and Charles R. Walgreen III Foundation