What does "EQUAL" mean?

    When Jefferson said, "All men are created equal," did he mean that...
We all start out the same?  Have the same rights and privileges?  Equal access to opportunity?   What do you think he meant by "equal"?

Description:  Students will choose two mathematical terms related to equality.  They will write a brief essay in which they:
  -Compare and contrast the mathematical meanings of these words. 
  -Examine the usage of one of the words in a broader global, social context. 
Standards: Basic mathematical vocabulary, compare and contrast.

Word List:

• equal v. equivalent
  
• equal v. congruent
  
• parallel v. congruent
  
• similar v. congruent
  
• proportionate v. equal
  
• truism v. tautology
  
• symmetrical v. equal
  
• isomorphic v. equivalent
  
• additional ideas
  

Social and Global Contexts (ideas):

• Equal pay for equal work - Should all labor have the same value?
• Equal Representation - Why do we have different methods of choosing the number of senators v. representatives from each state?
• Men = Women?  Compare average wages.
  
• Taxes - is a proportionate system fair?  What is a flat tax rate?
  
• Affirmative Action - Does it level the playing field or tilt it?
• "From each according to his ability,to each according to his need."  Is this a fair system?
  
• Inheritance: A woman has two daughters, one has 5 children, the other has 1.  How should her inheritance be divided?
• Immigration: should there be limits and quotas on who can immigrate to the U.S.?
• MORE