Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Casting Doubt: "Color-blind" and Nontraditional Casting Decisions

For Teachers 10th - 12th
In his article about color-blind casting entitled, "Willy Loman Is Lost, Still Looking for Stimulus Plan and Some Dignity," Charles Isherwood quotes August Wilson as saying,  "To mount an all-black production of a 'Death of a...
Lesson Plan
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Dick Blick Art Materials

“Gawu” — African-influenced Tapestry

For Teachers K - 12th
Here's a great way to combine environmental science with art. Kids use recycled materials to create their own Gawu, a tapestry made of discards. Although designed for special education classrooms, the activity is sure to engage all...
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ESL Holiday Lessons

Kwanzaa

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Teach English language learners about the week-long holiday of Kwanzaa that is celebrated around the world during December. It includes holiday-themed reading comprehension passages, phrase matching, fill-in-the-blanks, and journaling...
Lesson Plan
Anti-Defamation League

Lonnie Chavis of 'This Is Us' Writes about Racism

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Scholars read and discuss an essay by 12-year-old actor Lonnie Chaves about racism, paying close attention to how racism presents itself in interpersonal and institutional ways. Learners reflect on how they experience or witness racism...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Little America in Liberia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the history of Liberia prior to and after the influx of immigrants of African Americans. They investigate the cultural differences between the African Americans and newly-arrived Liberians.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars consider what it was like for black regiments during the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, students view segments of "Glory," and "The Descendants of the 29th Regiment." Young scholars discuss the conditions of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pop Art People

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students research art history by creating an illustration in class. For this popular art lesson, students identify Keith Haring by researching information on the web. Students draw people in different athletic poses and mount their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Masks from Around the World

For Teachers K - 5th
Students examine the history of masks, and create their own mask as a culminating activity. They view and discuss a PowerPoint presentation about the history of masks, complete a class KWL chart, create their own mask, and write a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Royal Cubit

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students explore the history of measurement in ancient Egypt. In this math lesson, students discuss the development of a standardized measurement system. Students measure using various units and discuss the results and the need for a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil Rights Methodology Martin Luther King, Jr. – Stokely Carmichael

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the visions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Stokely Carmichael. In this African-American history lesson, students read speeches by each of the men and summarize the arguments made by each of them about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The African Slave Trade

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students share their feelings about the enslavement of Africans as they write journal entries discussing their role play activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Activist

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students analyze the life of Jackie Robinson and determine which characteristics contributed to his success as the baseball player who broke the color barrier and as a political activist.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gilbert Stuart and Presdidential Portraits

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read passages about the context of paintings for artist Gilbert Stuart. In this art history lesson, students study paintings by artist Gilbert Stuart and learn about the context of his art. Students then complete a presidential...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History Detective

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the effects of the Great Exchange on the Americas.
Lesson Plan
PBS

The March on Washington and Its Impact

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
High schoolers read Martin Luther King, Jr's speech that he gave in Washington. They identify the social conditions that led to the civil rights movement. They discuss the significance of the March on Washington.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Being Heard

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Examine the work of contemporary authors who use their writing to express opinions about the struggle against prejudice and oppression in our society. A short lesson on the Harlem Renaissance introduces learners to the most prominent...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossil History

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the similarities and differences between living organisms and fossils.  In this fossil lesson students reenact the process of creating a fossil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pulsar Stars And Black Holes

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students explore the discovery of pulsar stars, and the characteristics of pulsar stars. Theories and ideas behind black holes are discussed. The issues of women's historical role in science are also touched on.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Massachusetts Blacks in the American Revolution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the experiences blacks were having in Massachusetts before and after the American Revolution. They also discover that many blacks migrated to Canada in search of a better life.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Black Alabamians in World War I

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders describe the racial climate of Alabama, then discuss some of the war-related concerns of black and white Alabamians.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fighting for Whose Freedom? Black Soldiers in the American Revolution

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students analyze primary sources about black soldiers in the American Revolution. They apply independent conclusions to create a piece of historical fiction. Students come to understand that as soldiers, scouts, or spies,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Physical Activities Do Sneakers and His Friends Do? Lesson Idea

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students listen to the story Big News! They think of other physical activities that Mr. and Mrs. Legs and their little spiders may do together.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History Hall of Fame

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create an American History Hall of Fame for various cultures that have been forgotten in American History.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Searching the Internet

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss current knowledge of internet searches. They research vocabulary terms related to internet usage. Students list African-Americans that they believe have made a difference. Each student picks a person to research and...