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Studying COVID-19 Through a Historical Lens
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." –United States Constitution Preamble
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In the eighth grade history mini-unit COVID-19: How Can We Make Choices That Promote the Common Good?, students are studying the present pandemic through a humanitarian and historical lens. Working with their history teachers Mr. Phelps and Ms. Westerberg-Egan, the eighth graders are researching what individuals can do to help promote the common good and welfare during this pandemic. They are also discussing the roles of the federal versus state/local governments and the strengths and weaknesses of each governing body during these trying times. Connections with early U.S. history are being made through the Preamble of the Constitution ("promote the general Welfare") and John Locke's theories that our government’s purpose is to protect its citizens and we’re all part of a social contract.
Westerberg-Egan noted: “We want to tie this historical moment we’re living in now into a memorable civics and living history lesson by having our students look at the past, present, and future.”
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
