Lesson Title: Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month (observed annually in the month of February) is an important celebration—it's a time to reflect on the rich history, cultural contributions, and enduring impact of Black individuals throughout history. It also involves discussing challenging topics such as systemic racism, historical oppression, and inequality.
This lesson invites students to explore the stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that have shaped our world. By learning about pivotal moments and lesser-known heroes, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of Black History Month and the ongoing journey toward equality.
Through engaging discussions, historical exploration, and an interactive Scavenger Hunt, students will connect with the past and uncover how its lessons resonate today.
Grade: 7 - 12
Subject: History, Social Studies
Learning Objectives:
- By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Understand the significance of Black History Month and its origins.
- Explore key historical events, figures, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
- Engage in collaborative learning through an interactive Goosechase Scavenger Hunt.
Materials:
- Mobile devices with the Goosechase app downloaded (one per team).
- Projector or smartboard
- Computers/tablets for research (if possible)
- Printed handouts or digital links
Setting a Respectful, Empathetic Tone
As we navigate these topics, it’s important to foster a classroom environment that is empathetic, inclusive, and respectful. Encourage students to listen actively, share thoughtfully, and approach discussions with an open mind. Acknowledge that some content may be emotionally impactful, and create space for students to express their thoughts and feelings.
Consider framing these conversations with guiding principles:
- Respect: Recognize and honor diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
- Empathy: Approach sensitive topics with care, acknowledging the emotional weight they may carry.
- Reflection: Encourage students to think critically about history and its ongoing impact on society today.
By fostering an atmosphere of understanding, this lesson can inspire meaningful learning and conversations that extend beyond the classroom.
Preparation:
- Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of history and social studies-focussed Missions about Black History Month (sometimes also called African-American History Month)
- Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of the significance of Black History Month, historical events, and contributions of Black individuals. Example Missions:
- Historical Detectives: Find an artifact or image online related to the Civil Rights Movement and upload it with a description of its importance.
- Quote It: Record a video of a group member reciting a famous speech or quote by a Black historical figure, like Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream.”
- Timeline Challenge: Create a timeline of five key events discussed in class and share a photo of it.
- Spotlight Story: Research and write a short paragraph about a lesser-known Black historical figure not discussed in class.
- Celebrate Achievements: Take a creative photo showcasing how Black inventors or artists continue to influence modern life (e.g., a photo of a traffic light, invented by Garrett Morgan).
- Cultural Connection: Share a piece of art, music, or literature by a Black creator, explain its cultural impact, and why it’s so important to you!
- Find example Missions in the Goosechase Templates below.
- Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
- Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
- Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
- Run your Experience during one class period or for the entire week.
- App Set-Up
- Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
Lesson Plan Outline:
- Introduction
- Begin with a class discussion:
- "Why do we celebrate Black History Month?"
- "What are some contributions of Black individuals that have shaped our history?"
- Share the origins of Black History Month:
- Initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as what was then called 'Negro History Week.'
- Expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976 to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans.
- Look back at the history of African Americans, focussing on:
- Historical Milestones:
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and the end of slavery.
- Civil Rights Movement (1950s-60s): Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington, Civil Rights Act.
- Prominent Figures:
- Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
- Frederick Douglass as an abolitionist leader.
- Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in advocating nonviolent resistance.
- Maya Angelou’s impact on literature and civil rights.
- Lesser-Known Stories:
- The Tuskegee Airmen's role in World War II.
- Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks.
- Historical Milestones:
- Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
- Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
- Monitor progress and provide assistance as necessary.
- If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
- Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
- Begin with a class discussion:
- Debrief and Reflection
- Review the activity, discussing which Missions were the most challenging or fun.
- Discuss how teams collaborated and solved problems together.
- Review any educational content covered through the Goosechase missions.
- Optionally, award prizes to the team(s) with the highest score.
- Lead a class discussion:
- "What new things did you learn about Black history?"
- "How can we continue to honor these contributions beyond Black History Month?"
Optional Post-Experience Activities:
- Personal Reflection
- Students complete a personal reflection piece on what they have learned about Black History Month.
- Class Presentation
- Individually or in groups, students select one important Black Individual to create a presentation on.
Assessment
- Assess group research projects and presentations.
- Observe students' participation and collaboration during the Goosechase activities and whole-class discussions.
- Review the submissions in the Goosechase app to assess understanding of Black History Month.
- Assess students’ written reflection or presentation about an individual they researched
Ready Made Experience Templates to Try
Black History Month
Run this Experience to teach your students about Black History Month!
Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?
What is Goosechase EDU?
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