Lesson Plan: Exploring Social Justice and Human Rights

Learning Objectives:

 Students will be able to define social justice and human rights.

 Students will be able to identify examples of social justice issues and human rights violations.
 Students will be able to understand the importance of advocating for social justice and human
rights.
 Students will be able to reflect on their own role in promoting social justice and human rights.

Materials:

 Whiteboard or projector
 Markers or pens
 Chart paper or sticky notes
 Age-appropriate articles, videos, or case studies on social justice issues and human rights
violations (optional)
 Construction paper, markers, and other art supplies (optional)

Procedure:

HOUR 1: Introduction (30 minutes)

1. Brainstorming: Ask students what they think of when they hear the terms "social justice" and
"human rights." Write their responses on the board or chart paper.
2. Definition: Briefly define social justice and human rights, using age-appropriate language.
Explain that social justice is the fair and equitable treatment of all people, and that human
rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to everyone regardless of race,
gender, religion, nationality, etc. You can use the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a
reference.
3. Case Studies: Present two contrasting case studies showcasing a social justice issue from
different perspectives (e.g., a marginalized group vs. a government official).

Exploration: (30 minutes)

1. Examples: Share examples of social justice issues and human rights violations, either through
discussion, articles, videos, or case studies. Choose examples relevant to your students' age
and community.
2. Impact: Discuss the impact of these issues on individuals and communities. Encourage
students to share their thoughts and feelings.
3. Perspectives: Divide the class into groups and assign each group a different perspective on a
specific social justice issue (e.g., the perspective of a marginalized group, a government
official, a community leader). Have each group discuss their assigned perspective and present
their findings to the class.

HOUR 2 (30 minutes):

1. Creative Expression: Have students use art, music, poetry, or any other creative medium to
express their understanding of social justice and their chosen action plan.
2. Sharing and Discussion: Dedicate time for students to share their creative expressions with
the class. Encourage discussion about the messages they convey and their potential impact.

Reflection (30 minutes):

1. Journaling: Ask students to reflect on the day's activities. Prompt them to consider: What
surprised them? What questions do they have? How do these issues connect to their own
lives?