Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define eugenics and identify its influence on early 20th-century American culture.
- Critically analyze historical photographs used in support of promoting eugenics.
- Evaluate the role of visual media in shaping public perception.
Warm-up Activity: (15 min.)
Prompt students: Think of a photo you’ve seen that shaped your view in some way. What made it so impactful?
- The teacher may want to model an example. (For example, seeing images of the destruction brought by Hurricane Katrina shaped my views around climate change.)
- Students share responses and post key words on a communal board.
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the impact of visual media on our emotions and psyche.
Mini-Lecture: Context and History (15-20 min.)
Please see the “Narrative” section as well as the bibliography for more information.
- Define eugenics:
- Explain how photography was used in the early 20th century
- Composite photos by Francis Galton
- The American Eugenics Society exhibition displays
- Fitter Families and Better Babies Contest photos
Image Analysis Activity (30 min.)
Divide students into small groups and give each a set of 2-3 historical images.
Analysis questions:
- Who is depicted in the photo, and how are they framed? (literally and metaphorically)
- What is the intended message of the image?
- What power dynamics are present between the subject and photographer?
- Does this image remind you of anything today?
- Student groups present their observations to the class.
Socratic Circle (15-20 min.)
Ask a central question. [examples listed below]
- After examining these photos, what is the connection between visual and social control?
- How was photography used as a tool for dominating ideas (and people) during the American eugenics movement?
- In what ways can visual media create “truths” that aren’t actually true?
In a Socratic circle, the teacher facilitates a student discussion referencing the images and analysis activity.
Closing Activity: (10-15 min.)
Free-write prompt:
In a notebook or a shared doc, students respond to the reflection question to guide their understanding of resisting eugenic logics:
- How can visual storytelling help fight harmful ideologies like eugenics?
If time allows, students can share their reflections on anti-eugenics.
