OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to
Articulate their moral positions on the death penalty
Demonstrate their understanding of the moral questions being raised about the death penalty.
PROCEDURE
Introduce the unit by discussing the position paper found at the beginning of the unit. Poll the class to see what their feelings are about the death penalty. Encourage students to share information about the cases and their ideas of punishments for O.J. Simpson and Susan Smith. This might be a good time to summarize and discuss the statistical data and ideas presented in the McCLESKY DECISION.
Read the INTRODUCTION to the unit and let the students read the segment A LOOK AT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. When you are satisfied that the ideas are clear to the children, ready your video camera and invite them to participate in an impromptu drama activity for the camera.
Follow the drama with a discussion, art or writing activity that focuses on how they felt in their roles.