Students study segregation that occurred in the past and that is currently occurring. In this equal rights lesson, students use primary source documents to student segregation of the past. In a culminating activity, students find or draw...

Students investigate the holiday Kwanzaa by drawing pictures. In this cultural tradition instructional activity, students discuss the history and actions that take place during the holiday of Kwanzaa. Students draw a picture of a gift...

Students will use texture to create imaginary monsters and learn about the African American inventor Jan Earnst Matzeliger.

Study African American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger and create imaginary monsters using texture.

Students examine the life of Jackie Robinson and how he opened the door for other African American athletes. They identify how one person can make a difference by their actions. They write about the responsiblity of citizens to end the...

Young scholars are able to create their own collages using some of the same kinds of images and materials Bearden used. They put to use some of the Bearden techniques they observed in the reproduction/slide lecture and explore to...

Students choose a famous African American and research his/her life. After researching, they write a report. The teacher evaluates the research paper for content, creativity, writing skills and research skills.

Poetry is a wonderful way to explore language, express topical understanding, and incite creative thinking. After a trip to the local natural history museum (or zoo), learners write an acrostic or a cinquain poem describing one of their...

Students read and explore a West African folktale. In this folktale lesson, students read the book The Clever Monkey Rides Again and examine West African proverbs. There are several related multi-subject extensions on this lesson which...

Students investigate the abolition of slavery by examining historical documents.  In this U.S. history lesson, students view photographs of East African residents who were forced into slavery.  Students write about the...

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...

Students explore changes in air transportation from 1920 to the present. In this air flight lesson plan, students are introduced to the history of air transportation. This lesson plan contains three different activities that will...

Students develop an understanding of art and history. In this lesson about sculpture and creating a mood, students will gain an understanding of a moment in history by observing art. Students observe busts, and paintings from the certain...

Students investigate a sculpture from the 17th century.  In this art history lesson, students examine Bust of a Man by Francis Hardwood and discover the meaning behind it.  Students create their own portrait bust of somebody...

Fourth graders write a poem. In this jazz music lesson, 4th graders learn about the basics of jazz dance and practice basic movements. Students learn common terminology and listen to several recordings of jazz music. Students create a...

Students read and understand the book Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. In this language instructional activity, students understand the Ebonics and colloquialisms of the book. Students discuss the events and vocabulary used. Students...

Students explore Carnival. In this Puerto Rico Carnival lesson, students discover the history of the cultural celebration as well as the significance of the elaborate masks worn for the festivities. Students create their own Carnival masks.

Learners become familiar with characteristics of folktales by reading or listening to African folktale that explains why sun and moon live in the sky. Students then create their own folktales about the sun and moon or another aspect of...

Students read The House of Dies Drear and understand how he filled a need and helped people. In this philanthropy lesson students understand how the people who helped on the "Underground Railroad" filled a need and helped others....

Young scholars research the importance of community leaders in portraits. In this art history lesson, students look at the painting "The Ascension of Simon Bolivar on Mount Jamaica" and discuss what they see in the portrait. Young...

Students research U.S. history by completing a worksheet activity in class. For this historical figure lesson, students identify the contributions and risks taken by the former African-American leader Martin Luther King Jr. Students read...