Activity Description

February is Black History month, and the activities in the "Culture & Change: Black History in America" project can be used with grades 3–8. The biographical components have been designed to meet the specific reading needs of one of each of three grade ranges. The Top Ten African-American Inventors can be used with grades 3–4; The Melba Pattillo Story and the Rosa Parks biography have been slated for grades 5 and up.

The Top Ten African-American Inventors Grades 3–4
Through this interactive activity, students learn about ten African Americans whose inventive contributions forged new frontiers in technology and consumer goods. Students also receive fun facts about each inventor, as well as an opportunity to publish online their comments about the inventors in a special "How Would You Feel?" section.

Integrating Central High: The Melba Pattillo Story Grades 5 and up
Students step back in time to the 1950s, a period during which segregation of whites and blacks — although a reality in some parts of the country — was becoming a source of national outrage and embarrassment. Kids relive the experiences of Melba Pattillo and eight other African-American teenagers through an interactive photo story that reenacts their historic, difficult year integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. To synthesize their learning about Melba Pattillo, students are presented with the online publishing element "How Would You Feel?"

Rosa Parks: How I Fought For Civil Rights Grades 5 and up
Students learn through vivid text and images how the strength and determination of a single individual helped shape the course of a nation's history. After reading through her story, students are asked to imagine themselves in Rosa's situation and write how they would feel if they were in her shoes. This online publishing activity allows students to write, edit and publish their own work.

Evolution of Black History Grades 6 and up
As they explore this interactive time line of black history, students can compare United States events with events happening all around the world. Students read biographies on great African Americans from the early days of slavery to the present including the accomplishments of over 30 African Americans catalogued as trailblazers. Biographies are includes of such pioneers as Thurgood Marshall, Colin Powell, and Althea Gibson, as well as the first black doctor, millionaire, and senator. Some biographies and events have links to more resources.

Nominate a Trailblazer Grades 3 and up
After reading of the accomplishments of over 30 African Americans catalogued in the Evolution of Black History time line, students write a persuasive paragraph supporting their nomination for a notable African American trailblazer. Students electronically submit their nominations, which are published in a Trailblazer Honor Roll.

The History of Jazz Grades 3 and up
Discover the origins of jazz music in America with Wynton Marsalis. Adapted from Jazz for Young People Curriculum by Jazz at Lincoln Center, this project allows students to learn about blues, improvisation, Dizzy Gillespie and more through reading and listening.

Lesson Goals:

Scholastic's Online Activities are designed to support the teaching of standards-based skills. While participating in the "Culture & Change: Black History in America" project, students become proficient with several of these skills.

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