Yes, I know it’s March. But I just found my PowerPoint and so I’m sharing now.
1. History vs. Christopher Columbus by Alex Gendler
Why do we still celebrate this holiday? This animated TED ED talk goes into what’s not taught in elementary school about Columbus. Cliff Notes: he was a bad dude.
2. Can Art Amend History? By Titus Kaphar
So I teach a lesson about the first Thanksgiving. Days 1-3 delve into the English version of the holiday and what most people believe about Thanksgiving. Days 4 and 5 discuss the Native American perspective, which isn’t discussed enough. This TED asks the question: Can we learn about the unpleasantness of our history through art? Is it more palatable to digest that way? Super entertaining talk.
3. Black Friday: An Accident of History by Hank Green
Not technically a TED Talk, but it’s good. Hank Green talks about Black Friday and its origins. We all get a little preachy about the meaning of Christmas (vs. the commercial ideal that’s taken hold) and Hank is no different. But the history behind Black Friday is interesting, and not well known.
There are only three because, well, the last term of the semester is ridiculous, what with state testing and exams and the whole month we’re not even in school.
As always, kids have to identify main idea, how the speaker uses ethos, pathos, and logos, and how it relates to our central text/ unit theme.