The Enlightenment

The 6th graders just began their Enlightenment unit in Social Studies.  They are learning about many "new" ideas that changed the way people viewed society and government in Europe during the 18th century.  Today, the students discussed the question "How do humans achieve knowledge, freedom, and happiness?".  They did a graffiti wall activity where they brainstormed what each of those words means and how people can achieve them.  Then, students came up with their own definitions.  We will use these words throughout the unit and look at different ways that different groups of people tried to achieve them during the Enlightenment era.  Next week, they will read primary sources written by Enlightenment philosophers and will discuss them in a socratic seminar.

Question for your 6th grader:

How do people achieve knowledge, freedom, and happiness?