disperse (verb) to spread out; to scatter or send in different directions

• Sample Sentence: Police dogs, water cannons, and police batons were used to disperse the children.

• Turn and Talk: Why might police try to disperse protesters?

catalyze (verb) to cause or make happen more quickly

• Sample Sentence: These images helped catalyze President Kennedy’s proposal of the Civil Rights Act.

• Turn and Talk: Discuss some events that have catalyzed people into protesting in the streets.

segregation (noun) separation based on a certain quality, especially race

• Sample Sentence: After the Civil Rights Act ended legalized segregation, children of all races could study at the same schools.

• Turn and Talk: What have you learned about racial segregation in and out of school?

reform (noun) change to improve something

• Sample Sentence: Protesters called for broad reform of unfair and violent police procedures.

• Turn and Talk: Propose some reforms to your school’s homework policy.

*reform (verb) to improve by making specific changes

• Sample Sentence: The state reformed the school system by creating new graduation requirements.

• Turn and Talk: What is one aspect of your community that needs to be reformed?

injustice (noun) unfairness, especially involving people’s rights

• Sample Sentence: Protesting is a way to learn about the right to assemble and speak out against injustice.

• Turn and Talk: Why is it important to stand up against injustice, even if the injustice does not directly affect you?

*alternate part of speech