Students will explore the notion of the American dream first by defining it and then by examining how it has changed over time. Students will build on these understandings by analyzing submissions to PBS American Portrait. These analyses will be conducted in three stages; teacher modeling, small group discussion, and individual analysis. During these analyses students will identify key themes represented by the submissions they review. Students will identify the barriers that hinder people from experiencing the American dream. The lesson will conclude with students reflecting on their own American dream and how it relates to the ideas presented in the analyzed responses by others.

Objectives:

Students will aim to……

• Define the American dream
• Identify how the American dream has changed over time
• Analyze videos to identify key themes
• Discuss barriers to the fulfillment of the American dream

About the Authors: 

Jennifer Smith (she/her) teaches eighth grade science at Monticello Middle School. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in her sixteenth year of teaching. In addition to teaching, Jennifer sponsors the eighth-grade science club and supervises the middle school makerspace. Jennifer holds Master's degrees in English, Education, and Educational Leadership. She is an Illinois Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction and was a 2014 Illinois Teacher of the Year Finalist.

Christian Scott (he/him) is a middle school Social Studies teacher in the Boston Public Schools. He teaches World History, Civics and Computer Science. Art projects and field trips are his favorite things to do with his students. Christian also enjoys working with technology, cooking and traveling.

Dominic Grenaldo (he/him) is an English Instructor in the Southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, where he develops student focused curriculum, including web-based education with an emphasis in Career and Technical Training. Dominic attained dual bachelor’s degrees from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and has a master’s degree from Gannon University in Erie Pennsylvania. He utilizes the power of technology to craft and adapt education to meet diverse student needs. Dominic has over 15 years of instructional experience and believes in the value of being outside, engaging in conversation, and the value of sharing a good book.