Freedom Unlocked: African American Struggles Post-Civil War

11th Grade Project 2 weeks

Exploring Freedom: Life for African Americans Post-War

Nikki Vendituoli

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Purpose

Students will collaboratively create a multimedia presentation or exhibit that explores the complexities of freedom for African Americans post-Civil War. They will utilize primary and secondary sources to analyze social, political, and economic changes during Reconstruction and beyond. The project will culminate in a class symposium where students present their findings and engage in a critical discussion, drawing connections to contemporary issues of freedom and equality.

Learning goals

Students will critically analyze primary and secondary sources to assess the extent of African American freedom post-Civil War. They will synthesize historical evidence to construct a nuanced argument addressing the essential question. Through collaborative research and creative expression, students will develop a multimedia presentation or exhibit that communicates their findings and perspectives.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.

Products

Students will create a multimedia presentation that includes a timeline, narrative, and analysis of key events and policies affecting African Americans' freedom post-Civil War. They will conduct interviews with historians or community members, if possible, and incorporate these perspectives into their presentations. The final product will be shared in a class symposium where students will present their findings and engage in a discussion on the ongoing impact of these historical events.

Launch

Students will begin by analyzing a curated collection of primary source documents, such as letters, photographs, and newspaper articles from the Reconstruction era. They will work in small groups to examine these sources and discuss their initial impressions of the freedoms and challenges African Americans faced post-Civil War. Each group will create a visual representation, such as a mind map or collage, to share their findings and insights with the class, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will create a multimedia presentation that explores the complexities of African American freedom post-Civil War, incorporating primary sources, personal narratives, and historical analysis. They will present their findings in a classroom symposium, inviting peers, teachers, and community members to engage in a dialogue about their insights. Each group will also produce a creative artifact, such as a short documentary, a digital timeline, or an interactive website, to further illustrate their conclusions and provoke thoughtful discussion.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction and Exploration - Begin with a class discussion on the essential question: 'Were African Americans free after the Civil War?' Students will be introduced to the project and its objectives. In small groups, students will analyze a curated collection of primary source documents such as letters, photographs, and newspaper articles from the Reconstruction era. They will discuss their initial impressions and take notes on the freedoms and challenges African Americans faced post-Civil War.	Activity 2: Visual Representation - Each group will create a visual representation of their findings from Activity 1. This could be a mind map, collage, or digital poster that highlights key themes and insights. Groups will present their visual representations to the class and engage in a brief discussion.	Activity 3: Research and Analysis - Students will begin conducting deeper research using both primary and secondary sources to gather more information on specific aspects of African American life post-Civil War. Each group will select a focus area, such as political rights, social conditions, or economic opportunities, and start compiling evidence and notes.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Visual Representation - Each group will submit their visual representation of initial findings from the curated primary sources. 2. Deliverable 2: Research Notes - Groups will compile and submit a set of organized research notes, including a list of primary and secondary sources they plan to use.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Curate a collection of primary source documents from the Reconstruction era, ensuring they are diverse and accessible for student analysis. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare materials for visual representation activities, such as poster boards, digital tools, and art supplies. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide a list of recommended secondary sources and digital archives for student research, ensuring access to reliable and varied perspectives. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a digital platform or classroom space for students to collaborate and share their visual representations and findings.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Activity 1: Group Synthesis and Development - Students will synthesize their research into a cohesive narrative. Each group will outline their digital portfolio, deciding on the format (e.g., digital timeline, interactive map) and divide tasks among members. They will start creating content, integrating primary and secondary sources and any acquired interview perspectives.	Activity 2: Portfolio Refinement - Groups will finalize their digital portfolios, focusing on clarity, coherence, and visual appeal. They will incorporate peer feedback to refine their communication and argumentation. Groups will make necessary adjustments and polish their portfolios for submission.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Draft Digital Portfolio - Submit a draft version of their digital portfolio, including all necessary components like timelines, narratives, and analyses. 2. Deliverable 2: Final Digital Portfolio - Submit the polished final version of their digital portfolio, ready for sharing and discussion in class.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange access to necessary technology and software for digital portfolio creation, ensuring students can use tools like timeline creators or website builders. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a rubric for assessing digital portfolios and provide it to students for guidance. 3. Prep Task 3: Organize a peer feedback session, ensuring students have clear guidelines on how to give constructive feedback.