Open Math Social Justice Scenario #2 by Aris Winger

Bring up the norms and ideas of respect and consideration of others.

mlevan1 — 2025-07-23 18:59:23 UTC

He may be a buffoon, but let's redirect to the class norms...

2025-07-23 18:59:33 UTC

2025-07-23 18:59:48 UTC

Would remind students that the data show bot parties have gerrymandered in the past.

feeling judged and unsafe to share a different thought

drangelahanson — 2025-07-23 18:59:51 UTC

2025-07-23 19:00:05 UTC

Ask if the Democrats have ever gerrymandered?

2025-07-23 19:00:40 UTC

Wow, we have a diversity of ideas here, which reflect how the people in NC feel. Can we slow this down and pick ideas that directly relate to the reason gerrymandering happens?

2025-07-23 19:00:42 UTC

Ugh - I hate it when I agree so hard to a student's statement and have to refrain from saying so.

2025-07-23 19:00:43 UTC

Remind students that gerrymandering has been a problem for a long time, in many different phases of US history (and around the world).

2025-07-23 19:02:06 UTC

Remind them that politeness and respect, not just about other students, but about any person, are part of our classroom norms.

2025-07-23 19:02:50 UTC

You all deserve a system that incorporates your voice/vote fairly. Let's talk about what that could/should look like.

Remind students that the purpose is to learn about what gerrymandering is and to explore how it has been used across the board. Remind students to remain civil and use data/math to make their points without personal jabs.

shellymjones64 — 2025-07-23 19:03:00 UTC

2025-07-23 19:03:03 UTC

Is there a way to shape districts that works well for both parties?

2025-07-23 19:05:11 UTC

Remind them that name calling generally puts people on the defensive and derails productive conversation

2025-07-23 19:07:11 UTC

To buy some time to create a good response, maybe take a moment for some anonymous feedback from students to see how they are feeling