The New York Times - ‘26.2 Miles Is Easy. Getting Around New York City Is Not.’ - Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: ‘26.2 Miles Is Easy. Getting Around New York City Is Not.’

*This lesson was developed by The New York Times’ The Learning Network and links to an external source.

Summary:
In this lesson, students will learn why it’s easier for one athlete to win a marathon in New York than to navigate the city in a wheelchair. Then, students will evaluate the accessibility of public spaces where they live.

Our suggestions when teaching this lesson:

Without encouraging students to pretend, or simulate disability, they could navigate their city and take note of inaccessible features in their daily route.

• How would they need to change their route if they weren’t to step up on a curb or use any stairs?

• Count how often the sidewalk is blocked due to construction or an improperly parked vehicle or a scooter or other obstacle left in the middle of the sidewalk.

• They might compare the length of time getting to school with and without the accessibility barriers.

• They might calculate the cost of using public transportation to that of a cab, Uber or Lyft.

Subject and topic: 

English Language Arts (ELA), Accessibility, Civics, Geography, Diversity and Equity, Social and Emotional Learning

Grade level:

8th to 12th grades

Duration: 

45 - 60 minutes

Links to download lessons:

Get the lesson plan on the New York Times The Learning Network website: Lesson Plan: ‘26.2 Miles Is Easy. Getting Around New York City Is Not.’

The New York Times’ Learning Network publishes teaching resources that use content from The New York Times. The lessons linked in their lessons are free and are not behind a paywall.