American Civil Rights

Lesson Overview

Grade Level: 11th Grade
Subject: US History
Duration: 45 minutes
Curriculum Area: Social Studies
Curriculum Standard: Texas TEKS 16B

Lesson Objective

Students will understand and analyze the impact of the civil rights movement on the political and social landscape of the United States, with a focus on key events, figures, and legislation.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Copies of primary source documents (e.g., excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches, Civil Rights Act of 1964)
• "Know and Show" chart handouts
• Sticky notes
• Timer

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Preparation

1. Prepare and print enough "Know and Show" charts for all 86 students to have their own copies.
2. Set up the projector to display images and brief video clips of significant civil rights events.
3. Arrange the classroom to enable group work, with students seated at tables accommodating about 5-6 per group.

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Engage and Explore

• Prompt Discussion: Begin with a question to spark interest—"How do you think the civil rights movement changed America?"
• Brief Presentation: Show a short video clip (3 minutes) capturing key moments of the civil rights movement, such as the March on Washington or the Selma March.

Direct Instruction (15 Minutes)

2. Key Concepts and Events

• Focus on TEKS 16B: Examine the political, economic, and social impact of the civil rights movement, including the influence of prominent figures and legislation.
• Mini-Lecture: Explain key events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Prominent Figures: Highlight individuals like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, and their contributions.

Guided Practice (10 Minutes)

3. Know and Show Chart

• Distribute "Know and Show" charts to each student.
• Know Section: Have students fill in what they already know about the civil rights movement. Encourage them to think critically about events, influences, and outcomes.
• Group Activity: In groups, students will compare their "Know" entries and discuss their thoughts. Provide sticky notes for evidence of discussion.

Independent Practice (5 Minutes)

4. Show Section

• Individual Work: Students complete the "Show" section, detailing what they learned in the lesson.
• Encourage them to mention any new understanding or insights gained about the civil rights movement.

Conclusion (5 Minutes)

5. Share and Reflect

• Invite a few students to share their "Show" insights aloud with the class.
• Reflection Question: Ask students to write a brief reflection on how the civil rights movement continues to influence current social and political issues in the US.

Closing

Thank students for their participation and briefly outline the next topic in the curriculum, emphasizing how it builds on the civil rights movement.

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Assessment

• Collect and review the "Know and Show" charts to assess student understanding and participation.
• Pay special attention to their reflections and identify any areas needing further clarification in subsequent lessons.

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Extensions and Enrichment

• Guest Speaker: Arrange for a local historian or civil rights activist to speak with the class.
• Research Project: Start a longer-term project where students research and present on lesser-known figures or events in the civil rights movement, connecting them to today's social justice efforts.