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Local Black History

Brief Description
Students learn about African American history in their city or town using library sources, online sources, and oral narratives.

Objectives

Students

• define the word researcher;
• use library sources, online sources, and oral narratives to learn about the history of African Americans in their city or town;
• write letters requesting assistance in finding information about the history of African Americans in their city or town;
• write, then present their findings to the class.

Keywords

community, local, black history, African Americans, oral history

Materials Needed

• student-researched library sources and/or online sources about African American history in their city or town
• phone numbers and/or addresses of local African American community organizations
• paper
• pens or pencils
• computer with PowerPoint software(optional)

Lesson Plan

• Begin the lesson by discussing the meaning of the word researcher. Tell students that they are going to become researchers of African American history in their city or town. Ask students where they might begin their research.
• Divide the class into small groups. Have each group work together to find information about local African American history using a variety of sources, including your local library and the Internet. For firsthand accounts from oral narratives, have students contact local African American community organizations for people who might provide oral histories.
• Have students compile their research in reports and present their findings to the class.

Variations:

• Invite African Americans who may be lifelong residents or who have lived in your community for many years to speak to your class about their experiences.
• Have students present their findings as PowerPoint presentations.
• For younger students, complete the project as a class.

Assessment

Evaluate students' participation, reports, and presentations.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Lois Lewis

National Standards

Language Arts:
NL-ENG.K-12.1
NL-ENG.K-12.2
NL-ENG.K-12.4
NL-ENG.K-12.5
NL-ENG.K-12.6
NL-ENG.K-12.7
NL-ENG.K-12.8
NL-ENG.K-12.9

Technology:
NT.K-12.1
NT.K-12.3
NT.K-12.5

Social Science:
NSS-USH.K-4.3
NSS-USH.5-12.3
NSS-USH.5-12.4
NSS-USH.5-12.5
NSS-USH.5-12.6
NSS-USH.5-12.7
NSS-USH.5-12.8
NSS-USH.5-12.9
NSS-USH.5-12.10