Spotlight on Sources:
Welcome to Renzulli Learning’s Spotlight on Sources, some of our most engaging resources to excite and inspire your students!
In the United States February is Black History Month! Black History Month began in 1915 by historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African American figures of the time. The group originally chose the second week in February in 1926 to celebrate black history, the significance being that it was the same week of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By the late 1960s, the week evolved into an entire month, due in large part to the civil rights movement!
To locate these activities within Renzulli Learning:
Under the 'Teach' navigation, click 'Search'.
On the Search page, type in the title of the activity you would like to locate.
For more ideas to infuse enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic.
K-2
Civil Rights Movement: Ruby Bridges
Websites
Have you ever heard of Ruby Bridges? Ruby was the first African American student in a school of all white students. Learn of Ruby's experience at this website. As you explore the website, be sure to take the quiz at the end to test your knowledge!
Profiles of Harriet Tubman
Research Sites
Could you write a short account of Harriet Tubman's life? Read these profiles by students who studied her life. Then maybe you can write your own profile of her!
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
History
Frederick Douglass emerged from slavery to become the leading African American spokesperson of the 19th century. This historic site is dedicated to preserving his legacy. His life was a testament to the courage and persistence that serve as an inspiration to those who struggle in the cause of liberty and justice.
3-5
African American Astronauts
Science
Do you know what it takes to be an astronaut? Check out this document for a photo gallery and biographies of NASA's African American astronauts.
Ducksters Education Site: Black History Month
Websites
Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. Learn more in this article from Ducksters Education Site.
National Geographic for Kids: U.S. Presidents- Barack Obama
History
Barack Obama was elected president on November 4, 2008. He ran as the candidate of change and became the country's first African American president. Read more about his beliefs and his accomplishments.
6-9
Research Sites
Celebrate Black History Month and the achievements of African Americans in civil rights, science, art and sports. Click the link to read more about the achievements of African Americans.
Social Studies
Explore the history of African and African American peoples. This website offers an encyclopedia, essays, primary sources, and guides to other sites.
Research Sites
When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, she was arrested. Parks' arrest inspired African American leaders to mount a bus boycott that lasted many months. Violence erupted, bombs were thrown at organizers' homes, but at last the Supreme Court integrated the buses, and soon thousands of African American riders were on the buses again — sitting where they pleased. Read about this important milestone in the Civil Rights Movement, listen to songs sung at organizational meetings, watch videos of Civil Rights leaders describing the events, and visit the photo gallery to see images. RealPlayer or Apple QuickTime Player is required for recordings at this website.
10-12
Websites
How much do you know about slavery? Visit this site and find slave narratives collected in the 1930s. These are wonderful primary sources that make the plight of inequality and slave labor more real.
Websites
Covering the nearly 500 years of the black experience in the Western hemisphere, the Mosaic surveys the full range, size, and variety of the Library of Congress' collections, including books, periodicals, prints, photographs, music, film, and recorded sound. Check out the website for lots of great information about the history of African American heritage and culture in North America.
Social Studies
Colin Powell has been the first African-American to hold numerous military and political positions. Over the course of four decades, Powell has courageously served or honorably led in each major war. Therefore, the country was not surprised when George W. Bush named him Secretary of State in 2001. Discover more about Powell's journey from the streets of Harlem to the halls of the White House. Read his biography, listen to his interview, and view his photos.
Thanks for being a part of the Renzulli Learning family and we hope you find these resources helpful.
Your Renzulli Learning Team