Title of Project: African American History Program (AAHP)

Grade Level: 6-8

Number of Students Participating: 50

Contributed by: Will Hunter; Two Rivers Middle School; Covington Independent

Overview/Description of Project: Students, after learning some of the history and culture of African Americans, will present what they’ve learned through various cultural mediums to the larger student body, family and community members.

Goals: discuss and compare different African American pioneers; identify potential places of employment for community members in need of a job; develop/enhance practical skills (time management, identifying needs of community, etc.)

Core Content Areas:

SS-06-2.1.1 Students will explain how the elements of culture (e.g., language, the arts, customs, beliefs, literature) serve to define specific groups in the contemporary world and may result in unique perspectives.

SS-06-2.2.1 Students will compare how cultures (present day) develop social institutions (family, religion, education, government, economy) to respond to human needs, structure society, and influence behavior.

SS-06- 2.3.1 Students will explain how social interactions led to conflict and competition, (e.g., political, economic, religious, ethnic) among individuals and groups in the contemporary world.

SS-06-5.1.1 Students will use a variety of tools (e.g., primary and secondary sources, data, artifacts, and timelines) to describe and explain historical events and conditions, and to analyze the perspectives of different individuals and groups (e.g., gender, race, religion, political group) in regions of the contemporary world.

(still to be added: liberal arts, language arts)

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

STEP 1: PREPARATION

- Students will learn about the history of Hip Hop Dance, Greek Life, the African American church as well as famous people in African American History

- Students will prepare play, poems, dances and songs to present for the larger student body, their family and community at large

- Students will invite speakers to present in conjunction with them

- Students will seek the help of various places of employment for their job fair

STEP 2: ACTION

- Students will demonstrate their knowledge through presentations to the school during the day and to their family and community at night. Students will dance, recite poetry, and present their play

- Students will host a job fair for community members

STEP 3: REFLECTION

- Journal writing and discussion on the various time periods in history

STEP 4: CELEBRATION

- Their BEST partner, Gold Star, will donating coneys for the students