The story of the United States is a story of civic action. When American colonists challenged the authority of King George III, they did more than voice their frustrations—they chose to act. Their most enduring act was the writing of the Declaration of Independence, a document that transformed protest into purpose. Written 250 years ago, the Declaration has stood as a beacon for freedom movements around the globe. It ignited the American War of Independence and helped give rise to the first modern democracy.
We believe that one of the best ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration of Independence is to read it. Deeply. And reflect on its resonance and power still. Which is the cornerstone of this series of lessons. At Mikva Challenge we know that young people care deeply about their communities and have the wisdom and power to be effective change makers. We want them to understand that in doing so they are a part of a long legacy of change makers, starting with the founders.
In true Mikva fashion, these lessons weave history with the present -- asking students to relate historical content with their contemporary experience.
If you are new to our materials, welcome! If you already use Mikva curriculum, you will see some familiar connections, particularly the culmination in asking students to "get on their soapbox" and be a leader for an issue today that they are passionate about.
We hope you enjoy these lessons. To learn about how to engage more deeply with Mikva Challenge curriculum, professional development and support services contact curriculum@mikvachallenge.org
Using This Curriculum
Mikva Challenge curricula is by no means a one-size-fits-all manual, since we know no one approach can meet the needs of every classroom.
Teachers use this curriculum in a variety of different contexts and across a wide range of grade levels, including in core subject area classes, in advisory, as an elective course, or in an after-school club.
Given this range, we have designed the lessons to allow for maximum flexibility, choice, and adaptability. You may find the need to modify some lessons in order to differentiate for the needs of your students by providing more challenge or more scaffolding, and we offer suggestions and adaptations. Pick and choose according to your class's needs!
Each lesson has been mapped to the Common Core State Standards and C3 Standards for 11th and 12th grade, but can be modified for use with younger students. Lessons are written using our Bell-Ringer, Before, During, After method for a 50-minute period, with the understanding that pacing is flexible.
Addressing Equity
“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.” —James Baldwin
The mission of Mikva Challenge is to develop youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society. We ground all of our experiential civics process on students improving their community in ways that address root causes of problems. In order to understand today’s issues and political challenges, students need to understand the history that brought us to our current world. This version of the curriculum provides some of that context and perspective so students can place their civic action work within a continuum. This curriculum embraces student exploration of topics of social identity and it how it shapes civic identity, privilege, and oppression so that students can form their own opinions and work to effectively solve root causes to societal problems. Our core Issues to Action process includes attention to developing empathy and engaging in civic discourse to encourage a diversity of opinions, with the understanding that sustainable change requires engaging people of all viewpoints and experiences.
Gender Pronouns
Mikva Challenge has paid particular attention to issues of equity and inclusion. To this end, we utilize the non-gender pronoun of “they” throughout. Learn more about gender neutral pronouns.
Third-Party Website Disclaimer
This curriculum includes third-party links or materials that are provided solely as a convenience to you as educational resources and you access and use them entirely at your own risk and subject to such third parties’ terms and conditions. As a nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) public charity, Mikva Challenge devotes its efforts toward its charitable mission and does not promote or endorse third-party sites.