Alabama Department of Archives and History
Montgomery Bus Boycott: We Would Rather Walk!
Have historians use primary sources to learn about the circumstances and implementation of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and think about the issue of boycotts as a means of effecting social change. Wrap it up with a letter to the editor...
Curated OER
America's Civil Rights Movement
Eleventh graders explore, analyze and study the background to America's Civil Rights Movement through the court system, mass protest, public opinion, political cartoons and legislation. They research Rosa Parks, Brown vs. Board of...
Curated OER
Before Rosa Parks: Early Grades Activity
Students read excerpts from an autobiographical work and retell scenes from the book. They consider the ways Susie King Taylor's autobiography displays character traits including courage, creativity, compassion and determination.
Curated OER
Before Rosa Parks: Upper Grades Activity: Frances Watkins Harper
Students analyze the rhetorical strategies Frances Watkins Harper used, such as tone, emotional appeal and descriptive language
Curated OER
Rosa Parks Community Garden
Ninth graders investigate how we depend on plants as the original source of most food. They investigate the parts of plants, and which parts are edible. Students are explained that the garden is also a classroom and the same rules apply.
Alabama Department of Archives and History
How Would You Feel? The Bravery of Civil Disobedience
As part of their study of the US Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery bus boycott, class members read Dr. Martin Luther King's "Integrated Bus Suggestions." They then craft a short story about the first week of Montgomery bus...
Curated OER
Courage: Hero Traits
What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this instructional...
Curated OER
Differences Make Us Special
Young scholars explore the similarities and differences among their classmates. They are introduced to the Civil Rights Movement-that all people be treated equally and fairly. Students discuss the importance of appreciating individual...
Curated OER
Identify and Analyze Literary Concepts
Young scholars explore plot structure, conflict, setting, and mood. In this literary elements lesson, students read Rosa Parks, My Story and complete the provided plot outline worksheets. Young scholars discuss the text elements of...
Curated OER
Cultural Acceptance
Students are segregated into groups according to their clothing and experience first hand what it feels like to be a minority in everyday life. In this cultural acceptance lesson plan, students experience discrimination first hand....
Center for Civic Education
The Power of Nonviolence: What Is Nonviolence? What Does It Cost?
Your young learners will delve into the language of primary source documents in order to identify the characteristics, benefits, and costs of nonviolence. The instructional activity includes a mix of activities, including an anticipatory...
Curated OER
Decision Making, Take a Seat or Get off the Bus
Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...
Curated OER
Picture Talk
Students explain a picture or caption using events from a story. In this literacy lesson, students analyze a picture and make a connection to the text. Additionally, students share ideas about how pictures can form a better understanding...
Curated OER
Making Inferences While Identifying Similes and Metaphors
Use this lesson to study similes and metaphors and the inferred meaning. In this language arts lesson, 5th graders write their own similes and metaphors. A worksheet is provided for extension work or to check understanding as homework.
Curated OER
An Experiment in Unfair Treatment/Prejudice
A rigged spelling bee gives class members a chance to experience some of the feelings associated with unfair treatment. Team one is given easy words while team two is given difficult words. As teams realize the unfairness the instructor...
Curated OER
American Women Who Shaped the Civil Rights Movement Explored Through the Literature of Eloise Greenfield
Examine the women who contributed to the Civil Rights movement. In groups, children read excerpts of writings from Eloise Greenfield and research the women she mentions using the internet. To end the lesson, they create a timeline of...
Curated OER
Gandhi's Life and Guiding Principles
Second graders investigate philosophy by researching the life of Mahatma Gandhi. In this biographical lesson, 2nd graders listen to a reading of the book "Gandhi" and make a character map of his actions, feelings and thoughts. Students...
Urbana School District
Knocking Down Fences
After reading The Other Side and guiding children through a picture walk, third graders investigate evidence of the civil rights movement. In the mini unit, 3rd graders analyze photographs of the past and make connections between...
Curated OER
Fair Responses to Unfair Acts
Middle schoolers understand the sacrifices and problems in undoing an unfair situation. In this unfairness lesson, students discuss the reasons for the Montgomery Boycott and discuss worksheet and feelings about dealing with unfair...
Curated OER
Just a Spoonful of Rights Makes the Responsibility Go 'Round
Young scholars explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students define rights and responsibilities. Young scholars discuss the role of philanthropy in contributing to the common good. They also review...
Curated OER
Hero Traits
Eighth graders explore the concept of serving the common good. In this service learning lesson, 8th graders brainstorm a list of real-life heroes and create charts displaying how the actions of the heroes affected others.
Curated OER
The Journey to Civil Rights
Students explore Civil Rights. In this Civil Rights activity, students read about Ruby Bridges and define the words segregation and supremacy. Students make a timeline of important events in Civil Rights and write a paragraph about why...
Curated OER
Remembering Jackie Robinson
Students create a list of famous African Americans, then read a news article about Jackie Robinson. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students read the news...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis: A Controlled Experiment
Learners investigate the amount of starch in a plant under 3 different conditions. In this photosynthesis lesson plan, students compare the amount of starch in a plant with increased carbon dioxide conditions, a plant with decreased...