United States History

Experiences of the Civil Rights Movement: A roundtable project

This activity allows students to participate in a roundtable discussion by taking on the persona of someone who lived and experienced the Civil Rights Movement. By participating in a role playing simulation, students are more able to achieve higher-level thinking skills and, as a result, hopefully be able to think more critically about the Civil Rights Era.

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)

By Kathleen Caldwell.

Civil rights protests and dilemmas

In this lesson students explore well-known civil rights protests then listen to two oral histories of individuals who protested in their own way to promote equality for African Americans. Students specifically will consider personal risks involved in protest.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Brown versus Board of Education: Rhetoric and realities

In this lesson, students will listen to three oral histories that shed light on political and personal reactions toward the 1954 Supreme Court ruling Brown versus Board of Education. Includes a teacher's guide as well as the oral history audio excerpts and transcripts.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Resources on the web

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Students learn that Civil Rights legislation (developed thanks, in part, to Martin Luther King Jr.) actually occurred after the beginnings of the development of the black middle class and did not precede it. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education