Rights Revolution: Then & Now!

8th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Rights Revolution: Then & Now!

Glen Meinschein

Analysis and Persuasion

Evidence and Sources

Purpose

Students will engage in a project that examines the Civil Rights Movement's strategies and tactics to draw parallels and insights for contemporary social justice efforts. They will conduct in-depth research using primary and secondary sources, develop well-supported arguments, and explore diverse perspectives. Through collaborative activities, students will create presentations or campaigns that address current social issues, demonstrating their understanding of historical and modern advocacy. This project encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to connect past events with present-day challenges.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the strategies and tactics of the Civil Rights Movement, evaluating their effectiveness and relevance to contemporary social justice efforts. They will develop persuasive arguments supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources, demonstrating a deep understanding of historical context and its application to current issues. Through collaborative projects, students will explore alternative viewpoints, assess the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches, and articulate their findings in well-supported, coherent presentations.

Standards

Analysis and Persuasion - Arguments support thesis with depth and sophisticated analysis, building throughout. Concepts and connections between evidence, arguments and thesis are thoroughly explored. Alternative point(s) of view is (are) thoroughly explored and evaluated. Strengths and weaknesses of evidence are discussed where appropriate.
Evidence and Sources - Evidence skillfully sustains and develops arguments. Evidence selected demonstrates deep comprehension of relevant and reliable sources, including primary and secondary sources. Evidence for alternative point(s) of view skillfully sustains and develops argument(s). Sources are cited consistently and appropriately.

Products

Students will create a multimedia presentation that compares and contrasts strategies from the Civil Rights Movement with those used in contemporary social justice initiatives. Throughout the project, students will compile a digital portfolio containing annotated primary and secondary sources, analysis of different viewpoints, and reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. The final presentation will be shared with a broader audience, such as a school assembly or community event, to foster dialogue and understanding.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive simulation where students assume roles of key figures from the Civil Rights Movement, tasked with addressing a current social justice issue. Students will research their assigned figures, focusing on strategies and tactics used historically, and then collaborate in groups to develop a plan for a modern initiative. This activity will culminate in a presentation where each group shares their plan, drawing connections between past and present efforts, and reflecting on the essential question.

Exhibition

Students will curate a Civil Rights Movement Exhibition, drawing parallels between historical strategies and contemporary social justice efforts. They will create multimedia presentations, including digital timelines and interactive displays, to showcase their research and analysis. Each student will present a case study of a specific civil rights tactic, comparing it to a modern initiative, and engage the audience in a discussion about its relevance today. The exhibition will be open to the school community, inviting feedback and dialogue on the connections made and the insights gained.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to Civil Rights Movement - Begin with an immersive simulation where students assume roles of key figures from the Civil Rights Movement, tasked with addressing a current social justice issue, while exploring the essential question: How can the strategies and tactics used during the Civil Rights Movement inform current social justice initiatives? (45 min)	Research Key Figures - Students will conduct research on their assigned figures from the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on strategies and tactics used historically, utilizing primary and secondary sources to gather evidence. (45 min)	Group Collaboration - Students will collaborate in groups to discuss their findings and develop a plan for a modern initiative, drawing parallels between past and present efforts. (45 min)	Plan Development - Groups will refine their plans for the modern initiative, ensuring their arguments are supported by evidence and exploring alternative viewpoints. (45 min)	Group Presentations - Each group will present their plan, drawing connections between past and present efforts, and reflecting on the essential question, inviting feedback and dialogue from peers. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources related to their assigned Civil Rights Movement figures 2. Group presentation outlining a preliminary plan for a modern initiative, including connections between historical strategies and contemporary issues
Preparation	1. Gather and provide access to a range of primary and secondary sources related to the Civil Rights Movement 2. Prepare role cards for key figures in the Civil Rights Movement for the immersive simulation 3. Set up collaborative spaces for group discussions and presentations 4. Ensure access to digital tools for creating presentations and compiling research

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Exploring Historical Context - Students will analyze key events from the Civil Rights Movement, identifying strategies and tactics used, and discuss their relevance to contemporary issues. (45 min)	Primary Source Analysis - Students will examine primary sources from the Civil Rights Movement, annotating key points and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. (45 min)	Developing Persuasive Arguments - Students will begin drafting arguments for their modern initiative, ensuring they are supported by evidence from their research and considering alternative viewpoints. (45 min)	Peer Review and Feedback - Students will exchange drafts with classmates for peer review, providing constructive feedback and refining their arguments based on insights gained. (45 min)	Finalizing Arguments - Students will incorporate feedback to finalize their persuasive arguments, ensuring logical coherence and depth in their analysis. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed comparative analysis chart featuring Civil Rights Movement strategies and contemporary tactics. 2. Draft of a detailed case study on a selected strategy or tactic from the Civil Rights Movement, including an evaluation of its effectiveness and relevance today.
Preparation	1. Gather a variety of primary and secondary sources, such as speeches, photographs, news articles, and legal documents from the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. 2. Provide access to digital tools for creating multimedia presentations, such as presentation software, image editing tools, and video editing software. 3. Arrange for access to library and online databases for students to conduct research, ensuring they have reliable and relevant sources. 4. Prepare guidelines for comparative analysis charts to help students organize their research and draw connections between historical and contemporary strategies.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Analyzing Modern Social Justice Tactics - Students will investigate current social justice initiatives, identifying strategies and tactics used, and discuss how they relate to those of the Civil Rights Movement. (45 min)	Comparative Analysis - Students will compare and contrast the strategies from the Civil Rights Movement with those used in modern social justice initiatives, noting similarities and differences. (45 min)	Developing Multimedia Presentation - Students will begin creating a multimedia presentation that showcases their comparative analysis, incorporating evidence from both historical and modern perspectives. (45 min)	Integrating Evidence and Sources - Students will refine their presentations by integrating annotated primary and secondary sources, ensuring evidence supports their arguments and addressing alternative viewpoints. (45 min)	Peer Feedback and Revisions - Students will present their multimedia drafts to peers for feedback and make revisions based on insights gained to enhance clarity and depth of analysis. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Digital portfolio with annotated primary and secondary sources and reflections. 2. Written comparative analysis connecting historical and contemporary tactics. 3. Multimedia group presentation ready for peer review.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize primary and secondary sources related to the Civil Rights Movement. 2. Provide access to digital tools for portfolio creation and presentation development. 3. Facilitate group formation and collaboration spaces, both physical and digital.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Testing Presentation Tools - Students will explore and select multimedia tools to enhance their presentations, familiarizing themselves with features for effective communication of their comparative analysis. (25 min) Drafting Presentation Script - Students will draft a script that clearly communicates their arguments, ensuring alignment with their multimedia components and addressing the essential question. (20 min)	Integrating Visuals - Students will incorporate relevant visuals into their presentations, such as images, charts, and videos, to support their arguments and engage their audience. (30 min) Group Collaboration Session - Students will meet in groups to review each member's visual contributions, providing feedback and ensuring cohesiveness in their multimedia presentations. (15 min)	Practicing Presentation Delivery - Students will rehearse their presentation delivery, focusing on clarity, pacing, and engagement techniques to effectively convey their analysis and findings. (25 min) Peer Feedback on Delivery - Students will present to a small group of peers for constructive feedback on delivery techniques, making adjustments to enhance audience understanding and engagement. (20 min)	Finalizing Multimedia Elements - Students will make final adjustments to multimedia elements based on peer feedback, ensuring all components are well-integrated and support their thesis. (30 min) Self-Reflection and Adjustments - Students will reflect on their presentation's strengths and areas for improvement, making final tweaks to enhance depth and clarity in their arguments. (15 min)	Full Dress Rehearsal - Students will conduct a full run-through of their presentations, incorporating all elements and practicing transitions, to ensure readiness for the exhibition event. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. A refined digital timeline that includes annotated sources and analysis of historical events and modern initiatives. 2. Peer-reviewed digital portfolios with feedback incorporated. 3. A draft of the multimedia presentation ready for final touches before the exhibition.
Preparation	1. Gather digital tools and platforms for creating timelines and multimedia presentations. 2. Provide access to a library of primary and secondary sources related to the Civil Rights Movement and current social justice issues. 3. Set up a system for peer review, including guidelines and rubrics for providing constructive feedback. 4. Organize a rehearsal space where students can practice their presentations. 5. Coordinate with tech support to ensure all necessary equipment for the exhibition is ready and functional.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Exhibition Planning - Students will organize their multimedia presentations, digital timelines, and interactive displays for the exhibition, ensuring they address the essential question and engage the audience. (45 min)	Rehearsal and Feedback - Students will rehearse their presentations in pairs, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance clarity, depth of analysis, and audience engagement. (45 min)	Final Presentation Preparations - Students will finalize their case studies and presentations, making last-minute adjustments and ensuring all materials are ready for the exhibition. (45 min)	Exhibition Setup - Students will set up their displays, arrange digital timelines, and test multimedia equipment, ensuring a cohesive and engaging presentation space. (45 min)	Exhibition Day - Students will present their case studies and multimedia displays to the school community, facilitating discussions on the relevance of civil rights strategies to modern social justice efforts. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Final multimedia presentation comparing civil rights strategies with contemporary social justice efforts. 2. Digital portfolio containing annotated sources, analysis, reflections, and refined arguments. 3. Participation in the peer review session with constructive feedback provided to peers.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to computers, presentation software, and digital tools for finalizing multimedia projects. 2. Organize space and equipment for the exhibition, including projectors, screens, and interactive displays. 3. Prepare guidelines for peer review, including criteria for evaluating arguments, evidence, and presentation skills. 4. Coordinate logistics for the exhibition, including invitations to the school community and setup for audience engagement. 5. Provide resources and support for rehearsal sessions, such as timing tools and constructive feedback frameworks.