

At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- Civics & Citizenship
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
9–12Duration
Multiple weeks- Democracy & Civic Engagement
- Racism
Overview
About This Unit
On the afternoon of August 9, 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot to death in a confrontation with Darren Wilson, a white police officer in Ferguson, MO. Within a week, the shooting became a flashpoint for a national discussion about race, policing, and justice in the United States.
Using Ferguson as a case study, students will explore the media coverage and the protests that followed—driven to a large degree by social media—and learn to become informed and effective civic participants in today’s digital landscape.
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Before you teach this lesson, please review the following guidance to tailor this lesson to your students’ contexts and needs.
Lesson Plans
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