Black Lives Matter: Unit A
This 5-week unit introduces students to the history, mission, and impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, which addresses pressing social and racial issues that are relevant to students' lives. Each daily lesson plan is aligned to core standards, provides "I can" statements for a daily learning target, and is broken down by minutes. You are provided with a daily bell ringer, as well as all lessons, materials, links to media and other materials, discussion questions, activities, and assessments with rubrics.
This unit is designed to immerse students in the critical analysis of pivotal moments and discussions surrounding race, equality, and justice through the lens of informational texts, rhetorical analysis, and research. There is time allotted early for collaborative norm-setting for race discussions in the classroom, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and respectful learning environment. This step is crucial for facilitating open, civil discussions on sensitive topics.
By evaluating rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos in various texts, including speeches by notable figures like Senator Cory Booker and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, students learn to appreciate the artistry and effectiveness of persuasive language. This comprehensive approach ensures students not only understand the structural and thematic elements of informational texts but also develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate arguments and advocacy in the context of societal and racial issues. Through this unit, students are equipped with the tools to engage thoughtfully and critically with the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, justice, and equity in modern society.
The inclusion of data analysis from The National Center for Education Statistics and articles on systemic and structural racism bridges informational text analysis with practical, evidence-based inquiry, promoting critical thinking and the ability to draw informed conclusions. The unit wraps up with a choice-based project.
Daily Overview:
Day 1:
Lesson: Brown Versus Board of Education Doll Test, establishing norms
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 2:
Lesson: Collaboratively establish norms and guidelines for discussing race in the classroom
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 3:
Lesson: Discussion on "A Conversation About Growing Up Black" and "A Conversation with White People on Race"
Materials Provided: Mini Documentary, Discussion questions, and answer keys
Days 4-5:
Lesson: Analyze suspension and expulsion rates data
Materials Provided: Data chart from The National Center for Education Statistics, guided questions, and answer keys
Days 6-7:
Lesson: Introduction to systemic and structural racism using information from Health Affairs
Materials Provided: Article on systemic and structural racism, guided questions, and answer keys
Day 8:
Lesson: Watch and discuss "Black Lives Matter Explained: The History of a Movement"
Materials Provided: Channel 4 News video
Day 9:
Lesson: TED interview with the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement
Materials Provided: TED interview video
Days 10-12:
Lesson: Project on the 13 Guiding Principles of BLM
Materials Provided: Handout of 13 Guiding Principles of BLM, Project Outline, and Rubric
Day 13:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetorical devices in advertisements
Materials Provided: Ads (Nike/Equality, Crest White Strips, Edika), Discussion questions
Days 14-15:
Lesson: Listen to and evaluate Senator Cory Booker’s speech for rhetoric
Materials Provided: Senator Booker's Speech, Transcript
Days 16-17:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetoric and analyze Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s remarks celebrating her appointment
Materials Provided: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's speech, Transcript, Guiding comprehension and analysis questions
Days 18-20:
Lesson: Annotation review, analysis of informational texts
Materials Provided: Articles, “How to Evaluate Informational Texts” assessment
Days 21-26+:
Lesson: BLM Project
Materials Provided: Project descriptions with rubrics
This 5-week unit introduces students to the history, mission, and impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, which addresses pressing social and racial issues that are relevant to students' lives. Each daily lesson plan is aligned to core standards, provides "I can" statements for a daily learning target, and is broken down by minutes. You are provided with a daily bell ringer, as well as all lessons, materials, links to media and other materials, discussion questions, activities, and assessments with rubrics.
This unit is designed to immerse students in the critical analysis of pivotal moments and discussions surrounding race, equality, and justice through the lens of informational texts, rhetorical analysis, and research. There is time allotted early for collaborative norm-setting for race discussions in the classroom, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and respectful learning environment. This step is crucial for facilitating open, civil discussions on sensitive topics.
By evaluating rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos in various texts, including speeches by notable figures like Senator Cory Booker and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, students learn to appreciate the artistry and effectiveness of persuasive language. This comprehensive approach ensures students not only understand the structural and thematic elements of informational texts but also develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate arguments and advocacy in the context of societal and racial issues. Through this unit, students are equipped with the tools to engage thoughtfully and critically with the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, justice, and equity in modern society.
The inclusion of data analysis from The National Center for Education Statistics and articles on systemic and structural racism bridges informational text analysis with practical, evidence-based inquiry, promoting critical thinking and the ability to draw informed conclusions. The unit wraps up with a choice-based project.
Daily Overview:
Day 1:
Lesson: Brown Versus Board of Education Doll Test, establishing norms
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 2:
Lesson: Collaboratively establish norms and guidelines for discussing race in the classroom
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 3:
Lesson: Discussion on "A Conversation About Growing Up Black" and "A Conversation with White People on Race"
Materials Provided: Mini Documentary, Discussion questions, and answer keys
Days 4-5:
Lesson: Analyze suspension and expulsion rates data
Materials Provided: Data chart from The National Center for Education Statistics, guided questions, and answer keys
Days 6-7:
Lesson: Introduction to systemic and structural racism using information from Health Affairs
Materials Provided: Article on systemic and structural racism, guided questions, and answer keys
Day 8:
Lesson: Watch and discuss "Black Lives Matter Explained: The History of a Movement"
Materials Provided: Channel 4 News video
Day 9:
Lesson: TED interview with the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement
Materials Provided: TED interview video
Days 10-12:
Lesson: Project on the 13 Guiding Principles of BLM
Materials Provided: Handout of 13 Guiding Principles of BLM, Project Outline, and Rubric
Day 13:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetorical devices in advertisements
Materials Provided: Ads (Nike/Equality, Crest White Strips, Edika), Discussion questions
Days 14-15:
Lesson: Listen to and evaluate Senator Cory Booker’s speech for rhetoric
Materials Provided: Senator Booker's Speech, Transcript
Days 16-17:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetoric and analyze Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s remarks celebrating her appointment
Materials Provided: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's speech, Transcript, Guiding comprehension and analysis questions
Days 18-20:
Lesson: Annotation review, analysis of informational texts
Materials Provided: Articles, “How to Evaluate Informational Texts” assessment
Days 21-26+:
Lesson: BLM Project
Materials Provided: Project descriptions with rubrics
This 5-week unit introduces students to the history, mission, and impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, which addresses pressing social and racial issues that are relevant to students' lives. Each daily lesson plan is aligned to core standards, provides "I can" statements for a daily learning target, and is broken down by minutes. You are provided with a daily bell ringer, as well as all lessons, materials, links to media and other materials, discussion questions, activities, and assessments with rubrics.
This unit is designed to immerse students in the critical analysis of pivotal moments and discussions surrounding race, equality, and justice through the lens of informational texts, rhetorical analysis, and research. There is time allotted early for collaborative norm-setting for race discussions in the classroom, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and respectful learning environment. This step is crucial for facilitating open, civil discussions on sensitive topics.
By evaluating rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos in various texts, including speeches by notable figures like Senator Cory Booker and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, students learn to appreciate the artistry and effectiveness of persuasive language. This comprehensive approach ensures students not only understand the structural and thematic elements of informational texts but also develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate arguments and advocacy in the context of societal and racial issues. Through this unit, students are equipped with the tools to engage thoughtfully and critically with the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, justice, and equity in modern society.
The inclusion of data analysis from The National Center for Education Statistics and articles on systemic and structural racism bridges informational text analysis with practical, evidence-based inquiry, promoting critical thinking and the ability to draw informed conclusions. The unit wraps up with a choice-based project.
Daily Overview:
Day 1:
Lesson: Brown Versus Board of Education Doll Test, establishing norms
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 2:
Lesson: Collaboratively establish norms and guidelines for discussing race in the classroom
Materials Provided: Landmark Cases: Brown v Board Doll Test (C-SPAN) video
Day 3:
Lesson: Discussion on "A Conversation About Growing Up Black" and "A Conversation with White People on Race"
Materials Provided: Mini Documentary, Discussion questions, and answer keys
Days 4-5:
Lesson: Analyze suspension and expulsion rates data
Materials Provided: Data chart from The National Center for Education Statistics, guided questions, and answer keys
Days 6-7:
Lesson: Introduction to systemic and structural racism using information from Health Affairs
Materials Provided: Article on systemic and structural racism, guided questions, and answer keys
Day 8:
Lesson: Watch and discuss "Black Lives Matter Explained: The History of a Movement"
Materials Provided: Channel 4 News video
Day 9:
Lesson: TED interview with the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement
Materials Provided: TED interview video
Days 10-12:
Lesson: Project on the 13 Guiding Principles of BLM
Materials Provided: Handout of 13 Guiding Principles of BLM, Project Outline, and Rubric
Day 13:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetorical devices in advertisements
Materials Provided: Ads (Nike/Equality, Crest White Strips, Edika), Discussion questions
Days 14-15:
Lesson: Listen to and evaluate Senator Cory Booker’s speech for rhetoric
Materials Provided: Senator Booker's Speech, Transcript
Days 16-17:
Lesson: Evaluate rhetoric and analyze Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s remarks celebrating her appointment
Materials Provided: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's speech, Transcript, Guiding comprehension and analysis questions
Days 18-20:
Lesson: Annotation review, analysis of informational texts
Materials Provided: Articles, “How to Evaluate Informational Texts” assessment
Days 21-26+:
Lesson: BLM Project
Materials Provided: Project descriptions with rubrics