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Holocaust Museum Houston

Lesson Plan: Why Should I Care?

Friday, Apr. 3, 2020 – Friday, May. 1, 2020

Thinking about your Universe of Obligation

OBJECTIVE
Students will reflect on the concepts of individual and social responsibility, explore the impact of altruism on a societal level, and develop research-based projects focused on advocacy work in their community and throughout the world.

OVERVIEW
Stephen Colbert was conducting an interview with New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof in 2007 when he asked the following – Why should we be concerned about issues happening in other countries? How does someone in another country affect me – in America, in my personal life – in any way? Kristof explained that we now live in global community and what happens in one area of the world impacts people in many other areas. Colbert mentioned that he had just read a story of a cat whose head was caught in a boot and quipped that this was something he could care about more than some issues far way.

In his comedic way, Colbert touched on a major issue in human rights work. How do those concerned about human rights get others concerned and willing to do something for others who are perhaps far away or in very different circumstances than themselves? In the words of Kristof, how do we “prick the conscience” of students so they take an interest in and become concerned for others?

TEKS 
US History – 11(B); 15(A, B); 23(A, C); 24(A); 26(C)
World History – 1(F); 21(A); 22(C, D); 30(C)
Middle School – Grade 6 – 13 (A, B, C)

DURATION
2-3 class periods

DOWNLOAD THE FULL LESSON PLAN

 ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

Journal Handout and “Think, Pair, Share” Activity [PDF]

Save the Darfur Puppy and Graphic Organizer [PDF]

Universe of Obligation Handout [PDF]

Political Cartoon Analysis [PDF]

HOURS & ADMISSION

  • Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Sunday, noon - 5:00 pm
    The Museum is closed Mondays, except for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • Members: Free Adults: $22 Seniors (age 65 and above): $16 AARP Members: $16 Active Duty Military: $16 Ages 0 – 18: Free

    The Museum is free to all on Thursdays from 2 pm to 5 pm

    PURCHASE TICKETS or hmh.org/tickets

    If you have an international bank card, please purchase your tickets onsite at the Museum. We apologize for the inconvenience.

    Admission is free on the following holidays:

    • Veteran’s Day for active duty military and veterans
    • Human Rights Day
    • International Holocaust Remembrance Day
    • Yom HaShoah
    • Memorial Day through Labor Day for active duty military and their families

    The Museum is closed on the following holidays:

    • Rosh Hashanah
    • Yom Kippur
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Day
    • New Year’s Day
    • Easter Sunday

Directions & Parking

  • Paid Parking
  • Paid parking is available in the parking lot next to the Museum on the corner of Binz and Caroline St.

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