The Enlightenment

Over the past few weeks, the 6th graders have been learning about the Enlightenment 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.  Last week, 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 used these words throughout the unit and looked at ways that different groups of people tried to achieve them during the Enlightenment era.  On Thursday, they read primary sources written by Enlightenment philosophers about the role of women in society and discussed them in a socratic seminar.  Tomorrow, they will debate what the role of the common people in government should be.

Questions for your 6th grader:

• How do people achieve knowledge, freedom, and happiness?
• How much power should the people of a nation have in the government?