Gender & Sexual Orientation Unit - Roles, Stereotypes, LGBTQ+ - Sociology & more

Tap into student interest! A comprehensive thematic unit on Gender and Sexual Orientation with discussions and activities that students get into. This unit helps you address topics that can be sensitive with a respectful approach. LOW PREP (print and go) — includes lesson plans, slides with activities, PDF handouts, and an editable assessment. Infuse these compelling lessons into multiple courses such as Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Health, or English. High School resource that could be used in 8th grade and work for digital learning.

This resource provides social justice lessons organized in a step-by-step manner that helps students comprehend complex concepts. Sections include: 1) Sex and Gender, 2) Gender Stratification, 3) Feminism and Masculinity, and 4) Sexual Orientation. The unit closes with an exploration of what it means to be an “ally.” Learn with students as they explore this constantly evolving subject.

Terms and concepts that are addressed include: sex, intersex, gender, constructionist approach, egalitarian society, patriarchy, gender socialization, discrimination, sexism, institutional sexism, gender stratification, feminism, masculinity, sexual orientation, heterosexual, heterosexism, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, asexual, and homophobia.

The resource includes:

• 112 PowerPoint slides that includes 20 terms and multiple activities
• 44 pages of lesson plans with standards, objectives, essential questions, and easy, step-by-step directions
• 15 pages of printables, including
  • Close Watching: Video Response Notes and Close Reading Annotations handouts
  • Readings on multiple topics including the creation of patriarchy, gender inequality, homophobia, and Matthew Shepard
  • An infographic project on gender inequality with a Research Worksheet and rubric
  • An editable terms and definitions handout
  • A “Draw It” activity for reviewing key terms
  • A multiple-choice test, with a key, in editable Word and Easel versions
  • A reflection in which students discuss the influence of different aspects of gender and sexual orientation

*For copyright reasons, the materials in this resource are NOT editable with the exception of specific components that are labeled as editable. You ARE able to insert text boxes and images on slides, rearrange them, and add your own.*

The slides can be imported into Google Slides, Nearpod, or Pear Deck to enhance digital learning and/or to add activities such as discussions and polls.

The unit teaching duration is four to six weeks if every lesson is used. The variation in the length is mainly due to the option of doing assignments as classwork or homework. I have made the unit thorough in order to meet diverse needs. You may need to pick and choose lessons to fit within your time frame.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While teaching online during the pandemic, I began to utilize short video clips for instruction. They were particularly impactful when addressing social justice issues due to their visceral nature. Because of their effectiveness, I have incorporated them into my curriculum, so this resource includes links to short videos. I suggest that you consider your ability to show videos to students when making a decision about purchasing this resource.

I also have comprehensive units on:

• Race and Anti-Racism
• Social Class and Social Stratification

Save big with a mega bundle: Social Justice Thematic Units—Infuse in History, Pair with Literature in English

If you try my resource, I would love to hear any questions or suggestions that you have. I would also appreciate your writing a review—you’ll receive TPT credits to apply to future purchases! Thank you.