Activism and Impact

Grade Level:

6-8

Duration:

90 Minutes

Unit:

Voices of Justice: African American History
Lesson 5 of 10

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Lesson Title:

The Role of Activism in History

Lesson Description:

Students will examine significant historical and contemporary examples of activism within the African American community. They will explore key movements, understand how activism contributed to social change, and recognize the impact these movements have on society today.

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Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2
  Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.9
  Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1
  Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-8.1
  Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-8.4
  Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence.

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Learning Objectives (I can statements):

• I can identify and describe key African American activism movements in history and today.
• I can analyze how activism has influenced social and political change.
• I can compare and contrast historical and contemporary activism efforts within the African American community.
• I can collaborate with peers to present evidence-based arguments about activism’s role in society.

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Success Criteria:

• I can accurately summarize key events and figures related to African American activism.
• I can explain the impact of activism on laws, policies, or societal attitudes.
• I can actively participate and contribute thoughtful ideas during group discussions.
• I can create and present a clear and concise mini-presentation on a chosen activist movement or figure.

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Materials Needed:

• Primary source excerpts (speeches, letters, protest flyers)
• Secondary source articles or videos summarizing movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter)
• Chart paper and markers
• Student notebooks or digital devices for note-taking and research
• Projector or smartboard

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Detailed Lesson Procedure:

1. Introduction & Activator (10 minutes)

• Begin by showing a brief, engaging video clip or slideshow of famous African American activism moments (e.g., March on Washington “I Have a Dream,” Black Lives Matter protests).
• Ask: "What do you notice happens during these moments? Why do you think people participated?"
• Activate prior knowledge by eliciting student responses related to activism and social justice.
• Introduce today’s focus: exploring activism’s role in bringing about change historically and in modern times.

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2. Mini-Lecture & Guided Reading (20 minutes)

• Present an overview of key activism movements:
  • Civil Rights Movement (1950s-60s) (e.g., Montgomery Bus Boycott, Freedom Riders)
  • Black Power Movement (1960s-70s)
  • Contemporary Movements (e.g., Black Lives Matter)
• Distribute selected primary and secondary source excerpts.
• Guide students through close reading using a graphic organizer to identify:
  • Who was involved?
  • What actions did activists take?
  • What goals were they trying to achieve?
  • What was the impact?
• Highlight activism methods such as protests, boycotts, speeches, and social media campaigns.

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3. Collaborative Group Analysis (25 minutes)

• Divide the class into 4 groups of 3-4 students.
• Assign each group a different movement or event to analyze more deeply using their primary and secondary sources.
• Each group completes a "Think-Pair-Share" activity answering:
  • What role did activism play in this movement?
  • How did it affect African American rights or society as a whole?
  • Make connections between the movement and activism today.
• Groups create a 3-5 minute presentation on chart paper summarizing their findings with visuals and key quotes.

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4. Group Presentations & Discussion (20 minutes)

• Each group presents their findings to the class.
• Encourage active listening with a "Two Stars and a Wish" feedback protocol—two facts learned and one question or thought they still have.
• Facilitate a whole-class discussion reflecting on:
  • The evolution of activism strategies over time.
  • How activism shapes laws, culture, and perception.
  • What lessons can be learned from past and present efforts?

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5. Reflective Writing & Exit Ticket (15 minutes)

• Prompt: "How has activism helped shape the African American community’s fight for justice throughout history and today?"
• Students write a short reflection using supporting evidence from the sources and discussions.
• Collect writing as an exit ticket to assess understanding.

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Differentiation Strategies:

• For diverse learners:

  • Provide graphic organizers with sentence starters.
  • Offer audio versions of readings or simplified texts.
  • Assign roles in group work (reader, recorder, presenter) to suit student strengths.
  • Pre-teach vocabulary (e.g., boycott, civil rights, activism).

• For advanced learners:

  • Challenge students to find additional contemporary activists or movements to add to their group’s research.
  • Encourage students to critically analyze differences in activism styles and effectiveness.
  • Have advanced students lead part of the group presentation or facilitate a mini-debate on activism methods.

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Extension Activities:

• Create a timeline of African American activism movements with dates, key figures, and impacts.
• Research and present on a lesser-known African American activist or local movement in students’ communities.
• Write an opinion piece arguing which African American activism movement had the greatest impact, using textual evidence.

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Assessment:

• Formative: Participation in group discussions, accuracy and depth of group presentations, completion of graphic organizers.
• Summative: Reflective writing exit ticket assessed for comprehension, evidence use, and clarity.
• Rubric shared with students emphasizing content understanding, collaboration, and communication skills.

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Teacher Reflection Notes:

• Observe student engagement with primary sources to gauge interest.
• Note which activism movements resonate most to build upon in future lessons.
• Adjust pacing and group roles as necessary.

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By tying evidence-based inquiry with collaborative learning and critical thinking, this lesson not only meets Common Core standards but also empowers students to appreciate the enduring power of activism in shaping justice.