To deepen our understanding of westward expansion, settler colonialism, and political factions in 19th century America, 8th grade Humanities students engaged in a lively Congressional Hearing on the Indian Removal Bill of 1830. Students were placed in 5 different groups: the Andrew Jackson Administration, Southern Plantation Owners, Northern Reformers and Missionaries, the Cherokee Nation, and the Black Seminoles. Each group was tasked with researching and presenting arguments for or against the passage of this bill, and were encouraged to cross-examine members of the other committees.

The students loved being able to debate one another as they embodied new characters and perspectives. Our 8th graders were engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to continue persuading “Congress” and one another that their arguments were most sound. It was an awesome class filled with theatrics, well-reasoned arguments, and deeper content mastery!