Lesson Plan for Chariton High School Freshman Civics Class s1

Title: Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty Source: SU09-9467-6a Date: 4 June 2009 Grade: 9-10 Subject: World URL: http://www.newsy.com/videos/tiananmen_s_taboo_twenty

Teacher Information: :

This lesson deals with the Tiananmen Square massacre that took place in 1989. Some research on this event in China’s history as well as China’s current plight and situation politically should be known before addressing this topic.

Preparation Assign students to groups of 3-4. Ask the groups to 10 minutes brainstorm a list of things they know about Tiananmen Square Massacre for 10 minutes. Now work together as a class to compile those findings. Write all items in the “K” section of the “KWL” chart.

Ask the groups to list the questions they have about the 10 minutes story. For example, “What was the background of the massacre?” “Why does China suppress any movement toward democracy?” Write all questions on the “W” section of the “KWL” chart.

Watch In groups or as an entire class, watch the Newsy.com story: 2:22 minutes

Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty http://www.newsy.com/videos/tiananmen_s_taboo_twenty

Compare Using the “KWL” chart, ask the students to compare the 5 minutes information in the Newsy story to what they knew before watching “Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty.” Mark consistent information with a plus sign (+). Mark inconsistent information with a minus sign (-). Mark unaddressed information with a question mark (?).

Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty page 1 of 3 Answer Using the “KWL” chart, ask the students to provide answers 5 minutes to questions that were addressed in the Newsy story. (It may help to provide copies of the transcript.) This information and answer should go in the “L” section of the chart across from the question.

Discussion Underline the unanswered questions. Ask the questions 10 minutes ** below. It is not necessary to reach closure on the questions; simply begin the exploration.

 What was the massacre, what happened?  Why did it happen?  What were people protesting for?  Why do so many not talk about it now?  How does this past event and how the government handles it today reflect in other countries views of the world?

Add additional questions you want the students to address.

**Could go longer than 10 min depending on discussion and participation.

Title: Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty

Extended Learning Activities – Optional

 Enrichment - In your groups put together a paper that addresses the following question: Does the taboo nature of Tiananmen interfere with China’s ability to move ahead with democracy?

 Parental Involvement – Instruct your students to ask their parents the following questions and bring the answers to class to discuss.

1. Why did the Tiananmen Square Massacre occur? 2. Why does the Chinese government suppress movements toward democracy?

Looking for related resources? Check out…

Tiananmen Square | The New York Times (grades 9-12)

Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty page 2 of 3 An overview of the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989. http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/news/international/countriesandterritories/china/tiananmen- square/index.html

Chinese Censors: The Tiananmen Square Incident Will Not Be Tweeted | Wired (grades 7-12) Chinese authorities will block access to several Internet site in anticipation of the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989. http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/06/china-censors-internet-before-tiananmen-square-anniversary/

No Ordinary Day at Tiananmen Square | Los Angeles Times (grades 7-12) A firsthand account of Tiananmen Square during the 20th anniversary of the massacre. http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jun/05/world/fg-tiananmen-diary5

Remembering Tiananmen Square | Forbes (grades 7-12) Writer recalls the lessons of freedom and tyranny that evolved from the Tiananmen Square Massacre. http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/27/tiananmen-square-anniversary-mao-opinions-columnists-china.html

The Great Forgetting: 20 Years After Tiananmen Square | The Chronicle (grades 9-12) History of various Chinese protests, including the Tiananmen Square Massacre. http://chronicle.com/article/The-Great-Forgetting-20-Ye/44267

Tiananmen’s Taboo Twenty page 3 of 3