U.S. History: Women's Suffrage Movement | Socratic Seminar Activity | Distance Learning

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 In this 18 page activity, your students will research the woman’s suffrage movement 1848-1920, using the provided secondary/primary source documents. They will use their understanding of the documents to participate in a “Socratic Seminar” (classroom debate) in which they defend their side of the debate in support or against suffrage for women. Your students will:

1) Be assigned a role in order to prepare for the Socratic Seminar (Supporter of suffrage/Opponent of suffrage). Student’s will either support or oppose women’s suffrage in this activity from the perspective of an American living in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s.

2) Read the “Warm-up” background reading on the suffrage movement and answer the questions on the worksheet.

3) Examine each of the primary source documents/photographs contained in this packet.

4) Answer all of the comprehension check questions related to these documents/photographs on the answer sheet provided.

5) On a graphic organizer, “Position Evidence”, students will write down evidence from the documents they have read that defends their sides’ (Support or Opposition to suffrage) position.

6) Participate in a Socratic Seminar.

7) Complete an Exit Card activity- 2 included (teacher can choose which activity to use)

ALL WORKSHEETS, DIRECTIONS, HANDOUTS, Grading Rubric ARE INCLUDED. Teachers unfamiliar with how to conduct a Socratic Seminar are directed in this packet.

OPTIONALLY- Instead of a Socratic Seminar this activity could just be used as a Document Based Analysis. Students read excerpts pertaining to the topic and answer the comprehension questions. It is not required to complete the Socratic Seminar discussion.