Literacy tests, poll taxes, grandfather laws? Scholars study the systematic ways African-Americans were kept from voting even after it was made a law. They analyze a series of primary source documents, complete a worksheet, and engaged...

Ambitiously spanning American history from 1865 to 1941, this video discusses and clarifies topics such as women's suffrage, the sinking of the Maine, and the development of America as a world empire. Maps and photographs will engage...

"Promises Denied," the second lesson in a unit that asks learners to consider the responsibilities individuals have to uphold human rights, looks at documents that illustrate the difficulty the US has had trying to live up to the ideals...

Jackie Robinson's attempt to earn a spot on the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers provides learners with an opportunity to examine the Jim Crow laws and revisit issues of segregation and integration. "The Unconquerable Doing the Impossible: Jackie...

Test prep has never been so easy. Your class will answer each of the 37 study questions in order to get an A on the upcoming test on the Reconstruction era. There are four vocabulary words, 12 major events, six important people, two...

A lot happened as the American Civil War came to a close. Before diving head-first into a unit on the Reconstruction period, preview key events, concepts, and vocabulary, specific to post Civil War America. Each slide gives a simple...

Eleventh graders explore issues of justice in American History through the Scottsboro trials.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary sources and answer questions based on the source.  Students create posters about...

A real find for a U.S. History teacher, this presentation could supplement many class sessions about the Civil Rights Movement. Pictures of events, major figures, and "Whites Only" signs are striking and effective for even your most...

Learners examine how African-Americans were affected by the Great Depression. In this African-American history lesson, students conduct independent research on the social conditions of the time period using the suggested resources....

For this African-American history lesson, students draw concept maps that feature what they know about Jim Crow Laws prior to responding to 6 short answer questions about the laws.

Middle schoolers explore the formation of the National Association of colored Women's Club. In this civil rights lesson, students research the history and mission of the NACWC.

Students research the impact of the Jim Crow laws on safe travel for African-Americans. For this civil rights lesson, students explore the dangers posed upon African-American traveling in the south. Students discover the extent of...

Students read letters written by Evans and Gunton regarding race relations. In this Progressive Movement lesson, students interpret the intentions and tone of the letters to understand contemporary racial beliefs. Students discuss the...

Students explore African American history by researching the Jim Crow laws. In this Civil Rights instructional activity, students define the Jim Crow laws, the reasons they were put into place, and how they were ultimately defeated....

Young scholars consider the implications of prejudice. In this segregation lesson, students experience a simulation that has school staff favoring young scholars with blue eyes. Students discuss the simulation experience, watch "The Eye...

Eighth graders research the impact of segregation. In this Jim Crow Laws activity, 8th graders research the impact of these laws on African Americans. Students work in groups to create posters about what they have learned. Students read...

Learners learn about discrimination and the Jim Crow laws. In this discrimination lesson, students are presented with new classroom rules that discriminate against certain types of clothing. Learners discuss the effects of the new rules...

Third graders create a poster of a travel route. In this discrimination instructional activity, 3rd graders read The Gold Cadillac and use it to discuss the problems African Americans faced while traveling south in the 1950's. Students...

Students examine the experiences of Americans during the Jim Crow era, and listen to and discuss the book Dear Willie Rudd by Libba Moore Gray. They define discrimination and segregation, answer story comprehension questions, and write a...

Students explore development of jazz music in the 1930s by forming imaginary jazz bands which tour several cities in Depression-era America. Jazz band members create imaginary identities for themselves, develop publicity for their tour,...

Learners compare and contrast the lives of African Americans who moved North vs. those who stayed in the South during the era of Jim Crow Laws.

Students experience a classroom simulation of discrimination and then use this as a springboard to discuss the Civil Rights Movement and Jim Crow Laws. This is a powerful, and potentially controversial, lesson for your students.

In this social justice worksheet, students select one of the 4 listed African-American advocates listed to role play in a Reconstruction debate. Students respond to 5 short answer questions to help them prepare for the debate.

In this Reconstruction review worksheet, students identify 29 people and events that were pertinent to the era that followed the American Civil War.