With the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, English teacher Adam Bearson’s three AP Language classes engaged in a thought-provoking exercise this week aimed at fostering discussion and critical thinking. The assignment involved a fictional scenario in which two families, the Arens and the Bashiri, live in a single house on a large plot of land. The house, while limited in amenities, holds immense emotional value for both families. The conflict arises because there isn’t enough space for both families to live there, and each wants the home for themselves. (Bearson created the scenario.)

In each class, students were tasked with crafting their own peace treaties to resolve the issue. In first period, students proposed building two new houses on the plot of land—one for each family. The original house would be disassembled and transformed into a public museum, preserving its historical significance while giving each family their own home. 

The solution presented in sixth period also included building two new houses. However, instead of dismantling the original house, the students decided to leave it standing and open it to the public.

At the end of the exercise, Bearson organized a grand signing ceremony for all three classes. Students gathered for a potluck and many dressed like diplomats. Bearson also enlisted his students that are in the band program to perform live music during the summit.