Cecilia Brunning

Every year I use the Columbus trial lesson from the Zinn Education Project. It’s by far my most popular activity all year. It’s amazing to see all the critical thinking that’s set on fire. It prompts so many arguments, discussions, and discoveries in their outside research. When seniors who’ve had my class come in and see the desks rearranged for the trial, they always exclaim, “Oh, they’re doing the Columbus trial? I remember that! I miss that!” It helps them see the power of greed and how that mindset has affected subsequent historical events. Thank you so much for helping promote so much important learning in my classroom.