Robert F.

Kennedy Assassination Lesson

Derek Brannon
Standards Addressed:
Standard 1.3: The significance of ideas as powerful forces throughout history.
Engage: This phase of the 5 E's starts the process. An "engage" activity should do the
following:
My students have been creating their own presentations about historical assassinations, so the
design of this lesson will be centered around giving them a reprieve in their own work to learn
about a deeply complex and interesting assassination. I will introduce the Robert Kennedy
assassination which is in itself, quite engaging. I will briefly cover the setting, events of the his
death, and the historical consequences of the event. After this introduction, the students will be
placed in groups to analyze in depth theories about why the assassination took place. My
lesson will also serve as a general model for what the students should be attempting in their
own presentations.
Explore: This phase of the 5 E's provides students with a common base of experiences.
They identify and develop concepts, processes, and skills. During this phase, students
actively explore their environment or manipulate materials.
Once in their groups the students will be told to read both popular theories (that RFKs killer,
Sirhan Sirhan, was angered by Kennedys association with Israel, as well as, the theory that he
was used by the CIA to kill Kennedy), and then formulate an argument for which one they feel
actually happened. During this period, I want the students to explore the theories on their own,
using their own logic and imagination to analyze the question.
Explain: This phase of the 5 E's helps students explain the concepts they have been
exploring. They have opportunities to verbalize their conceptual understanding or to
demonstrate new skills or behaviors. This phase also provides opportunities for teachers
to introduce formal terms, definitions, and explanations for concepts, processes, skills,
or behaviors.
They will be asked to explain what transpired, as well as, why they chose the theory that they
chose. During this period, I will be clarifying certain terms or events that the students describe
and elaborate on content that is not covered.
Elaborate: This phase of the 5 E's extends students' conceptual understanding and
allows them to practice skills and behaviors. Through new experiences, the learners
develop deeper and broader understanding of major concepts, obtain more information
about areas of interest, and refine their skills.

The students will be asked to defend their position meaning that they will not only have to
understand why they chose what they chose, but they will learn the skills of debate and
discussion using logic and reason.
Evaluate: This phase of the 5 E's encourages learners to assess their understanding and
abilities and lets teachers evaluate students' understanding of key concepts and skill
development.
During every step of the process, I will be present in the students understanding of the lesson.
During the explore phase, I will be moving around the room, answering student questions and
helping guide their thinking. This will serve as a useful check-in in case some of the groups
arent understanding the content or their objective. During the explain and elaborate phases, I
will be challenging the students to think critically and be able to grasp where the students levels
of understanding are. If they are not getting the material, I will help fill in any gaps. At the end
of the lesson, the students will be asked to do a Poll Everywhere and say which theory they
believe is true.