Lesson Title: Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month (observed annually in February) is an important celebration -it's a time to reflect on the rich history, cultural contributions, and enduring legacy of Black individuals throughout Canadian and American history. This lesson plan provides classroom resources to discuss systemic racism, historical oppression, and inequality while celebrating the achievements of Black Canadians, Black Americans, and notable figures.

This lesson invites students to explore stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that have shaped our world. By learning about pivotal moments, Black leaders, and lesser-known heroes, school students will better appreciate the significance of Black History Month and its legacy.

Through engaging discussions, historical exploration, and an interactive Goosechase Scavenger Hunt, students will connect with the past and discover 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, civil rights movements, and contributions of Black Canadians, Black Americans, and other Black figures.
• Learn about influential Black leaders, notable figures, and the role of enslaved people in shaping Canadian and American black history.
• Engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving through an interactive Goosechase experience.
• Examine ways Black Canadians and Black communities have contributed to society, including the achievements of Black women like Viola Desmond and Jean Augustine.

Materials:

• Computers/tablets for research (optional)
• Goosechase templates for Black History Month activities
• Mobile devices with the Goosechase app downloaded (one per team)
• Teacher guides and lesson plans to empower students and enhance history education
• Printed handouts or digital links to recommended resources like the Canadian Encyclopedia and primary sources

Setting a Respectful, Empathetic Tone

Create an inclusive and respectful classroom environment. Encourage students to actively listen, share thoughtfully, and approach discussions about racial injustice, Black heritage, and historical oppression with empathy.

Guiding principles:

Respect: Recognize diverse perspectives, including the experiences of Africans, Black Canadians, and Black communities.

Empathy: Approach sensitive topics with care, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by stories of enslaved people and racial injustice.

Reflection: Encourage students to critically analyze the history and contributions of Black figures, civil rights leaders, and influential figures across Canada and the U.S.

Fostering this understanding will motivate students to commemorate Black leaders, celebrate Black heritage, and explore how history provides lessons for the present.

Preparation:

Create a Goosechase Experience focused on Black History Month in February, highlighting Canadian Black history and American history.

Develop Missions that showcase the contributions of Black Canadians, Black Americans, and first Black individuals in both countries.

Example Missions:

• Historical Detectives: Find an artifact, image, or primary source related to the civil rights movement or the Underground Railroad, then upload it with a description.
• Quote It: Record a video reciting a speech or quote by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Viola Desmond, Jean Augustine, or other Black leaders.
• Timeline Challenge: Create a timeline of five key events in Canadian Black history, slavery in Canada, or the American experience.
• Spotlight Story: Research a lesser-known hero, like a Black Loyalist in New Brunswick, someone from Birchtown, or participants in the Elgin Settlement, and write a paragraph about their contributions.
• Cultural Connection: Share a piece of literature, art, or music by a Black woman or creator and explain its impact on Black communities and culture today.
• Find Example Missions in the Goosechase Templates below

Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on your students' proficiency levels 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 was 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.
• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
  • Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
  • Monitor progress and assist 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.

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 on what they 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 Template to Try

Black History Month

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