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African American History Mural

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Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • U.S. History

Grades

  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12

Brief Description

Students create a mural of famous African Americans.

Objectives

Students

  • define the word mural,
  • draw pictures of famous African Americans in history,
  • work together to create a mural.

Keywords

African American, history, mural

Materials Needed

  • teacher- and/or student-researched information and pictures of famous African Americans from print sources and/or online sources
  • small slips of paper
  • a pen or marker
  • a plastic bag, paper bag, or small box
  • art materials (crayons, markers, paint, etc.)
  • construction paper
  • scissors
  • a roll of large paper (any color)
  • glue
  • computers with Internet access (optional)

Lesson Plan

Prior to the lesson:

  • Research print sources for pictures of famous African Americans or print out pictures from the links at Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Black History (click the link to Biographies).
  • Write the names of the people students will draw on the mural on slips of paper. Put the slips in a bag or small box.

Lesson:

  • Explain the meaning of the word mural. If possible, show students examples of murals from art books or other sources.
  • Tell students that they are going to create a mural showing famous African Americans in history. Have students view pictures of famous African Americans.
  • After students have viewed the pictures, let each student pull from the bag or box the name of a person he or she will draw on the mural.
  • Distribute drawing materials. Have students draw and color their pictures on construction paper.
  • Have students cut out their pictures. (Assist those who might have trouble using scissors.)
  • Unroll the large paper to the length desired. Have students paste the pictures in different spots on the roll. Display the mural on a classroom wall or in a hallway.

Variations:

  • Assign each student the person he or she must draw for the mural.
  • Focus the mural on a specific theme; for example, create a mural about the civil rights movement or create a mural showing African American leaders, scientists, writers, or famous women.
  • Have older students research the pictures for the mural using print or online sources.

Assessment

Observe and evaluate students' participation in the project.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Lois Lewis


Updated 1/10/2017