The American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 (originally called the Junta), is the “nation’s oldest and most prestigious learned society.”  It was a group that promoted self-education and served as a business network. Members would gather to discuss current events and assigned essays. By deconstructing others’ writings they learned how to reason and improve their own writing. I already use a similar method to this approach in the classroom, where students create an outline from an expository writing piece. Now I can let them know that Franklin did the same thing to become a better writer.

Our next stop was the Kent Atwater Museum which is the official museum for three hundred years of Philadelphia history. I will share the story of “The Liberation of Jane Johnson” with my students, as the version we were given is relatively short but gives a primary source accounting of how the Underground Railroad actually worked to free slaves.

 

 After seeing real shackles up close, complete with the lock, I would like to simulate this type of confinement for my students to experience. So far, I can envision using two sets of handcuffs in the middle to restrict their hands and perhaps two ropes on either side of their hands to restrict their feet. Perhaps using a broomstick or large dowel would work. Staying in this position for as little as ten minutes would definitely make an impression on fifth graders. Having several students confined in a small space simultaneously would be even more effective.