Lesson Plan

The Equal Rights Amendment

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The debate over the Equal Rights Amendment continues. To better understand the controversy, class members research the history of attempts to get the amendment ratified. In addition, pairs engage in a structured academic conversation after reading statements by Gloria Steinem who argues for the need for the ERA and by Phyllis Schlafly who argues against. The instructional activity ends with a video of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg detailing why she feels the amendment is necessary.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Have groups research the current status of the ERA
  • Create a color-coded wall map of the country and indicate which states have passed the ERA
  • Post a chart that lists the arguments for and against the ERA
  • Ask readers to highlight loaded language in both Steinem's and Schlafly's statements
  • Use the resource during Women's History Month in March
Classroom Considerations
  • The lesson assumes class members have previously studied persuasive language and techniques
Pros
  • By including statements by Gloria Steinem and Phyllis Schlafly the resource presents both sides of the debate
Cons
  • None