"SOCIAL SECURITY?"
Designed by:
Richard Charlesworth, 11, Mandela High School
Elizabeth Haugen, 11, Oakland Technical High School
Maryann Wolfe, 12, Oakland Technical High School

I. OVERVIEW

1. Background and Context of the Lesson to Be Studied.  Why this lesson? The thematic focus of this year’s OUSD Teaching American history grant was to examine economic issues in American history.  With this mind we thought an investigation into the Social Security Act of 1935 was topical and important.  That students should have an understanding of how the history of this program, the controversy surrounding its adoption, and how is had become integral to American life today.
   
   
2. Student question: 
   To what degree did FDR provide a safety net for the American people? And was this appropriate
   
   
3. Teacher inquiry question:
   Can students work with conflicting documents to construct a coherent argument about a controversial topic? And can students demonstrate historical empathy?