Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Blues Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Access the educational resources developed by a Seattle-based museum to supplement the PBS documentary series "The Blues." Includes background essays on the blues; biographies, video clips, and sound clips from the series; a blues...
Website
Other

Pennsylvania Heritage Society: Pennsylvania Civil War 150

For Students 9th - 10th
The sidebar of this site reads "Understand the War Through People Then and Now." That is the mission of the site, and when you click on each word or phrase, you open up a world of information about the Civil War. Compiled resources help...
Website
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Bessie Coleman 1892 1926

For Students 3rd - 8th
The first African American woman to receive an official pilot's license, Bessie Coleman led a captivating life. Here you can learn about her many accomplishments.
Handout
Other

Usps: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song

For Students 9th - 10th
Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...
Handout
Other

Kunte Kinte Heritage Festival: Kunta Kinte History

For Students 9th - 10th
This website contains information on Alex Haley's slave ancestor Kunta Kinte. Haley's novel "Roots" is also discussed.
Unit Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Learning Lab: Black History Teaching Resources

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Explore an exciting collection of teaching resources, activities, and lesson plans honoring Black History Month.
Website
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Yusef Komunyakaa

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a link to two interviews of Komunyakaa: on poetry and on the heritage of jazz for African American poets. There is a commentary on "Tu Do Street". There are several links to other Komunyakaa sites.
Handout
Other

Vance Holmes's Fantastic Tap Dance Dictionary

For Students 9th - 10th
Searchable glossary of terminology common in tap dance, compiled by Vance Holmes, M.F.A., choreographer, and dance educator. Links to other dance and music dictionaries.
Website
Other

The Georgia Sea Island Singers

For Students 9th - 10th
The Georgia Sea Island Singers are carrying on the tradition of their ancestors by performing chants, work songs, and gospel songs all over the world.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Holidays for Kids: Kwanzaa

For Students 1st - 9th
Kids learn about Kwanzaa. The history and facts about this holiday which celebrates African American heritage.
eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: "Odalie" by Alice Dunbar

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of the short story "Odalie" by Alice Dunbar, an American author with a mixed-race heritage. (Free site registration offers some additional features, e.g., the ability to insert annotations.)
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Haitian Creole

For Students 9th - 10th
A Wikipedia encyclopedia entry on the Haitian Creole language. Includes information about the African and European origins of the language and sample words and phrases. Additional links to a passable online dictionary, Radio France...
Website
Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Historical Society Home

For Students 9th - 10th
Find facts about Oklahoma's rich history and famous people, and explore museums and historic sites. An interactive map of the state allows you to choose museums, military sites, historic homes, and other notable locations in Oklahoma,...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Paule Marshall

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Paule Marshall, a novelist whose works emphasize the need for black Americans to reclaim their African heritage.