Embedded Files
Unit 2
Outcomes of the French and Indian War
Unit 2 Lesson 1.pdf**For Remote Tuesday - "Join, or Die." Lesson**
Lesson Theme:
Unity Makes Us Stronger
Lesson Theme:
Unity Makes Us Stronger
Today, we will explore a school rule from different perspectives. We will consider what students, teachers, parents, and administrators think, why they think that way, and whether understanding their views changes our own opinions.
Then, we will examine Benjamin Franklin's famous "Join, or Die" cartoon to discover why he believed unity could make the American colonies stronger.
We will dissect his drawing, examining its symbols, hidden messages, and meaning to understand how Franklin used art to persuade people to unite.
Big Question: Is it better to work together or alone?
A. Together -
+ More ideas and help.
- People may disagree, which leads to more arguments.
B. Alone
+ Make your own decisions.
- No one to help you.
Turn & Discuss:
Pick one choice.
Explain why you chose it.
Give a real-life example.
The Great School Debate:
Four Points of View
The Issue:
Should 7th graders be allowed to move between classrooms after each period?
Your Mission:
1) Read about the four groups. Find out if each group supports or opposes the change.
2) Pick their strongest reason.
3) Then, explain whether you agree or disagree with their point of view and why.
GROUP 1 — STUDENTS
Fairness: Want the same privileges as 8th graders.
Freedom: Want to move between classrooms on their own.
Social Life: Want a chance to see friends between periods.
Responsibility: Believe they are mature enough to follow hallway rules.
Preparation: Want to practice being independent before high school.
GROUP 2 — TEACHERS
Own Classroom: Want a classroom decorated and organized around their subject, such as history, math, or science.
Organization: Need a place to keep books, supplies, and teaching materials.
Preparation: Want time between periods to prepare lessons instead of moving from room to room.
Better Teaching: Believe having their own classroom helps lessons run smoothly.
GROUP 3 — PARENTS
Reasons to SUPPORT the Change
Independence: Want their children to become more responsible and make their own decisions.
Fairness: Believe 7th graders deserve the same opportunities as 8th graders.
Reasons to OPPOSE the Change
Safety: Worry about crowded hallways, fighting, and students getting hurt.
Education: Worry that students might arrive late, skip class, or miss important lessons.
GROUP 4 — ADMINISTRATORS
Reasons to OPPOSE the Change
Safety: Worry about crowded hallways and staircases causing accidents.
Fighting: Fear that more students in the hallways could lead to arguments and fights.
Supervision: May not have enough adults to watch students between periods.
Attendance: Worry about students arriving late, skipping classes, or wandering the hallways.
School Order: Believe keeping 7th graders in one classroom makes the school safer and easier to manage.
JOIN, OR DIE - Page 141
The Mystery of
“Join, or Die”
Primary Source Analysis | 6–8 minutes
Your Mission:
Become a history detective!
Study Benjamin Franklin's cartoon and figure out its hidden message.
Step 1 — NOTICE (1 minute)
Step 1 — NOTICE (1 minute)
Look carefully at the cartoon.
Do not read about its history yet.
What animal do you see?
What is unusual about its body?
What words or letters do you notice?
Step 2 — THINK (2 minutes)
Step 2 — THINK (2 minutes)
Answer in your notebook.
THINK: Why do you think the snake is separated into pieces?
What do you think the words “Join, or Die” mean?
Step 3 — TURN & Discuss (2 minutes)
Step 3 — TURN & Discuss (2 minutes)
Share your answers with a partner.
PREDICT: What message is Benjamin Franklin trying to send?
Do you both agree about Franklin's message? Why or why not?
CONTEXT AND PREDICTIONS
Directions: Use the Unit 1 lessons or comic visuals
to help you answer the questions.
In 1754, Britain and France went to war over control of land in North America, especially the Ohio River Valley.
THINK: Why would both countries want control of the same land?
Different Native American nations joined different sides to protect their own lands and interests.
PREDICT: Why might some Native American nations support Britain while others supported France?
The British colonies were divided, making it harder to work together against France.
THINK: Why do you think the British colonies were divided instead of working together?
Benjamin Franklin believed the colonies needed to unite to become stronger. To spread his message, he created a famous cartoon called “Join, or Die.”
CREATE: After seeing Franklin's “Join, or Die” cartoon, what would you draw differently to convince the colonies to unite? Explain your idea.
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