The Civil Rights Movement

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The Civil Rights Movement
Students write a definition of discrimination and give examples. Then they examine a visual history of discrimination against African Americans following the Civil War. Next they analyze why Brown v. Board of Education and President Johnson’s Great Society program were necessary despite the Civil War Amendments. Finally they read about three civil rights leaders and reflect on how individuals can bring social change, and whether the mid-century Civil Rights Movement was a success.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students write a definition of discrimination and give examples. Then they examine a visual history of discrimination against African Americans following the Civil War. Next they analyze why Brown v. Board of Education and President Johnson’s Great Society program were necessary despite the Civil War Amendments. Finally they read about three civil rights leaders and reflect on how individuals can bring social change, and whether the mid-century Civil Rights Movement was a success.

If you have access to leveled readers about the Civil Rights Movement or any of its leaders, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 50-60 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • supremacist
  • sharecropping
  • manual labor
  • setback
  • facility
  • unconstitutional
  • escort
  • public opinion
  • activist
  • systematic

Objectives

  • Describe the conditions of segregation and prejudice in twentieth-century America.
  • Explain how the African Americans organized the fight for civil rights.
  • Identify key leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Analyze the role of President Johnson's Great Society program.


Engage


You learned in the previous lesson that when the Tuskegee Airmen returned as heroes from World War II, they still faced unfair treatment back in the United States. They could not continue their service until the U.S. military was integrated several years later. In this lesson, you will learn about the actions taken by African Americans and other minorities to gain equal rights.

Objectives

  • Describe the conditions of segregation and prejudice in twentieth-century America.
  • Explain how the African Americans organized the fight for civil rights.
  • Identify key leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Analyze the role of President Johnson's Great Society program.


photograph of mainly Black men, women, and children marching peacefully with American flags back

Civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965


The United States has a long history of discrimination against African Americans and other minorities. What is discrimination? Look up the word in a dictionary, and write a definition.


Try to come up with a classwide definition. Possible definition: the unjust or prejudicial treatment of a defined group of people, especially on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, or age.


Now give an example of discrimination against any group.

Post your answer

Choose a variety of student posts for discussion. Discrimination happens at many levels: in access to education, jobs, and housing; in application of the law; even at the personal level.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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