The purpose of this lesson is to create an awareness and understanding that important technological advances within our culture, in a variety of areas, are the result of the work done by a diverse group of people, many of whom are African Americans. To this end, students will be actively involved in discussions, research, and sharing sessions. Between six and ten class periods will be necessary for this lesson
Students will experience what discrimination is like and be able to brainstorm ways to end discrimination. This will lead into discussions about Brown v. B.O.E., Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Freedom Rides, along with the practice of Civil Disobedience and Non-Violent Demonstrations
Students will
* read about the kids who took part in early school integration efforts in Little Rock, Arkansas, and New Orleans.
* read recent reflections by two of those former students.
* role-play an interview with Melba Pattillo, one of nine students who integrated Little Rock High School.
* read background and look at photos about the integration efforts in Little Rock.
* put themselves in the shoes of those kids who were pioneers in school integration and write a diary entry one of them might have written after the first week in her new school.
# Students will be able to describe Rosa Parks’ contributions and how they affect us today through the presentation of the mini-unit.
# Students will be able to identify important events occurring at this time in history by participation in the KWL and historical perspective activities.
# Students will be able to use tools of persuasive writing by participating in a writing activity.
# Students will understand what motivates ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks.
# Students will be able to express their thoughts about Rosa Parks by paying tribute to her in writing.
# Students will understand feelings of African-Americans at this time in history by participation in the simulation and The Story of Ruby Bridge
Students will:
* learn the story of Rosa Parks;
* learn about the rules (for white people and for black people) on buses in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955;
* follow directions to complete a diagram illustrating seating arrangements and rules on buses in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955; and,
* role play the scene on the bus on that December day in 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus.
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