Jane Elliott's controversial blue eyes/brown eyes experiment detailed in the film A Class Divided leads to a discussion of privilege, social power, and opportunity. Viewers note how the children react to the experiment, share their observations, and then make connections to how aspects of identity give some people more power and privileges than others.

Concepts

similarities and differences, injustice, discrimination, social-emotional learning, racism, stereotypes

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Review class expectations for safe, respectful discussions of offensive langue and sensitive issues
• Preview the PowerPoint for information about concepts and teaching notes

Classroom Considerations

• Seventh in a unit of 15 lessons
• Access to the lesson presentation requires a free account

Pros

• The carefully scaffolded lesson asks learners to not only make personal connections to the film but to also observe how valuing one aspect of identity influences social power and opportunity

Cons

• None