The mayor of your town was recently quoted in the local newspaper:
 

"The Vietnam War has made a lasting impression on the history of this country and it is vital for the generations that follow - that represent our future - learn the lessons of the Vietnam War. We cannot allow this war, indeed all wars, to be a forgotten page in a forgotten history book. We need to learn from our past in order to secure our future."

The mayor announced a plan to hire a local artist to paint a large mural commemorating the Vietnam War on the side of the downtown public library. But the plan for a mural is causing a lot of controversy in your town. Some citizens don't want the mural at all. Other citizens have different opinions about what the mural should look like.

 In a few days the mayor is going to have a town meeting to make a final decision about the mural. The mayor has two questions that need to be answered:
 

1. Should the mural be painted?
2. If yes, what should it look like?

You are to be the citizens of this town. Each group of four will represent the different viewpoints of the citizens. Each person within a group will take a position on the mural and research his/her "role" in order to defend his/her belief.

Your task is to read your position on the mural and conduct Internet research to learn more about your position in order to better defend it. You will also have a set of questions to guide you as you conduct your research.
After doing your research, you will meet with others who have your same role .
and debate the issue with you - the citizens of this town.

 Finally, the town's newspaper will publish an article about the town meeting and its outcome. Each student will write his/her own front page article. A newspaper template (in pdf format) is provided and can be downloaded here.

1. Divide up the four roles among your group members.
2. Each member goes to his/her page listed below. There, each person will find:
• their position on the proposed mural
• background information on why the person holds that position
• a set of questions to help you guide your research
• links to the Internet to help you research your role
3. Read your position on the mural.
4. Conduct your Internet research.
5. Meet with others who have your role.
6. Debate and defend your position at the town meeting.
7. Assume the role of a newpaper reporter and objectively report the town meeting and its outcomes.

Try to put yourself into the role. Attempt to understand why this person has these beliefs. Carefully read your viewpoint on the mural and the questions for your role. As you conduct your Internet research, look for ways to defend your viewpoint. Be prepared to effectively defend your beliefs with facts and convincing arguments.

During the town meeting, you will be evaluated on how well you can defend your position using facts obtained from your research on the Internet. As you do your research you should take notes. These notes will help you defend your position.
You will also be expected to debate and not argue. Rules of courtesy should be followed.

What is the fate of the mural? Will it be painted? What will it depict?
Can the differing viewpoints come to an agreement?
Are there any similar issues happening in your community?