Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights

Grade Levels: 6 - 8

Overview

Students think critically about the Civil Rights movement and its key players as they explore a biographical site about Jackie Robinson.

Objectives

• Students will use key vocabulary related to the Civil Rights Movement.
• Students will read critically to evaluate the contributions of one civil rights hero.
• Students will research and present information about another civil rights hero.

Materials

Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights Worksheet

Procedure

• Introduce key vocabulary: achievements, civil rights, controversial, integration, meritorious, pessimistic, racism.
• Have students take notes on the Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights Worksheet as they explore resources and websites on Jackie Robinson and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Have small groups of students brainstorm other heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and write their ideas on the activity worksheet. They should include key words next to each person's name.
• Invite each group to research one civil rights hero and present information to the class about him or her.
• Set a time for a class discussion of Jackie Robinson and other civil rights heroes.

Assessment

Use a Ten-Point System to evaluate students' ability to synthesize information and conduct additional research about civil rights heroes.

Extensions

Encourage groups to role-play other events in the Civil Rights Movement and then discuss their impact on society.