Imagine an old 1960s diner. There's a long, L-shaped counter top and classic diner stools covered in vinyl dotting the counter space. Sounds like your typical diner, doesn't it? A piece of this diner now sits in The Smithsonian. Why?...

Individuals read a passage about segregation, as a homework assignment, before coming to class the next day to learn about the Greensboro sit-ins—a landmark event during the civil rights movement. Packed with guiding questions, group...

An excellent resource defines the African-American Civil Rights Movement from the early 1900s through the legacy left in modern times. Every major date, event, and key player is described under clear overarching categories. The NAACP,...

Fifth graders research and discuss the Greensboro Sit-ins. They examine segregation through drama, research the people involved in the protest at Woolworth's, and then stage a re-enactment of the event.

Ezell Blair, Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil changed history. Their sit-in at the lunch counter of the Woolworths in Greensboro, North Carolina on February 1, 1960 became a model for the nonviolent protests that...

Young scholars watch a video about nonviolent protests during the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss and write about the Greensboro sit-ins while deciding the effectiveness of this type of protest.

Seventh graders begin prepping for a final project that will result in a collaborative 3-5 minute skit. They begin by reading and researching multiple aspects of one of three Civil Rights events; Ruby Bridges, Greensboro Sit it, or the...

Individuals can make a difference. That's the big idea in this lesson that investigates individuals who fought the Jim Crow laws. Class members research an activist, create a living museum display, and teach the class about the role...

An activity booklet includes a timeline of the movement, a song, and various informational reading passages on leaders, events, and the Civil Rights Memorial in Washington DC. Reading response questions and word puzzles are sure to...

Discover the incredible change and volatility that was 1960s America with an engaging, informative video. It begins with an extensive overview of pivotal moments during the civil rights movement and the subsequent shift toward militant...

Students explore the concept of nonviolent direct action. In this Civil Rights Movement lesson, students examine primary sources and consider the actions of civil rights workers who participated in nonviolent direct action activities.

Learners listen to and discuss the purpose of protest music. They analyze an editorial cartoon related to Jim Crow and read questions from the literacy tests given to African-Americans. They work together to write a song about the...

What tactics are used in civil disobedience? Learners study the conditions in Alabama that led to the establishment of the Atlanta Student Movement, as well as consider the nature and effectiveness of civil disobedience.

Explore writers of the civil rights movement through a focused lesson on the Langston Hughes poem I Look at the World. Learners listen to the poem, then complete episodic notes in a graphic organizer. They focus on specific parts of the...

Fourth graders identify people and events associated with North Carolina's history. They read about the Greensboro Four and the Greensboro Sit-Ins. They explain the importance of responsible citizenship and identify ways North...

Brown vs. Board of Education was a landmark case, but what other cases were influenced by its decision? By researching 1 of 14 civil rights legislative events, scholars follow this court case through recent events. Keeping in mind 6...

Students identify and analyze the motivation behind the African-American students in organizing the sit-in if Greensboro and the formation of the SNCC. Students identify how the generational differences between members of SNCC and other...

In this African American history worksheet, high schoolers respond to 39 identification questions that require them to define or list the significance behind 39 events and people associated with the American Civil Rights Movement.

Fourth graders view primary sources as the basis of a discussion on segregation.  In this segregation lesson, 4th graders read Freedom on the Menu to gather information on what segregation is.  Students understand segregation and...

In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about the American Civil Rights Movement. 

Students and their parents participate in a volunteer opportunity in their community in order to solve a problem. For this problem solving lesson plan, students reflect on historical problems and see how they can solve a current problem.

Young scholars are introduced to the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), one of the "big 5" civil rights organizations (the other four were: the Urban League, NAACP, SCLC, and CORE). The SNCC is credited with having led...

Students examine primary document to examine the concept of free assembly, and analyze Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's letter to the clergy to explain the rationale for this tactic to advance civil rights.

An instant lesson or warm-up activity for any art or language arts classroom. Your class is asked to closely analyze two works of art as a starting point for discussion or writing. Specifically, this resource includes prompting questions...