Combining Podcasts and Hexagonal Thinking in History Class!

Recently I stumbled upon the podcast, The Agitators: The Story of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. In two days, I listened to all of the episodes on my morning commute! Seriously-- this is a fantastic podcast that I think most high school students (and many middle school students) would love!

The Agitators: The Story of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass is a six-part series based on the friendship and activism of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Episodes range in length from 21 minutes to 26 minutes in length.

I share episode #3 with my students. Episode #3: Reconstruction: 1867 and 1869. Episode description: In the years after the Civil War, Frederick and Susan fight to make the United States a country for all – where everyone can vote. What gets in the way of this dream? Will their friendship survive betrayal?)

While students listen, rather than take notes or complete a fill-in-the-blank notes sheet, I had my students complete a hexagonal thinking activity using terms, dates, names, places, etc. from the podcast! It was so much fun!

When we were finished listening, we completed a group hexagonal cluster (I shared my slide on the whiteboard) and I asked for volunteers to tell me where I should slide the hexagonal cards. Our goal was to compline at least 12 cards and we did it! As we combined cards, I asked students to explain their connections. 

I absolutely love hexagonal thinking activities! Not only are they fun, but they really "stretch" our thinking. I always tell my students, "if you can successfully create a hexagonal cluster using the cards I give you, you REALLY know/understand the material!"

I am excited to hear how others use hexagonal thinking activities in the classroom. Have you ever considered combining podcasts AND hexagonal thinking activities? Post your comments below! Happy teaching!