Role-Playing in Social Studies (Introducing "The Most Dangerous Man in America")

Yesterday I planned a role-playing activity for my Social Studies 400 students. We've been studying the First Amendment- Freedom of Press the past week and a half. I'm planning to show "The Most Dangerous Man in America" and although I've lectured on the topic of the Pentagon Papers and New York Times v. United States, I still felt it would be beneficial to review the "cast" of individuals involved in the story as well as their relationship to the story. I found an engaging role-play activity on the Zinn Education Project Page. Despite having a small class yesterday (four kids absent), the activity was a success. Each student played the part of a key figure involved in the story. Each student was given a short biography, a photo of the person they were role-playing (you could also have your students create a mini cardboard cutout of their individual; I have done that in the past and it's added a bit more "authenticity" to the activity), a name tag, and a role-play worksheet.

Throughout the activity, students pretend they are at a reception. Students circulate around the room and visit with each of the "characters" trying to learn as much as possible about each individual in the time available. Students answer questions about each individual as they circulate among the "cast of characters" in the role-play.

My students really enjoyed the activity. A description of the activity and printable biographies and worksheets can be found on the Zinn Education Project website. Search "Most Dangerous Man in America."

https://zinnedproject.org/