This lesson is for : Grades 9 – 12:
Summary
Students conducted research about the Little Rock Nine and the influence these students had on the Civil Rights movement. The lesson is based off of the real life events of Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Bryan as told through their personal accounts and depicted in the two books. These accounts tell the story of the tumultuous desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas in 1957 and the turmoil that event unleashed upon the students and the community.
After research, each student created an original script and dramatic scene as well as composed and recorded an original song based off their research and script development.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: In this project, students were conducting research to create a performance for a large audience. The teacher acted as a facilitator, providing minimal direction while students were allowed to build a production from scratch. Students created their own research questions as they defined their specific tasks. Students selected their own primary sources in addition to some sources that were provided as resources to them. Students cited sources and utilized a variety of databases to find accurate historical information. A variety of tools were used by students in creating the final performance, including NoteFlight, video tools, and projection equipment. Students used all of these tools to create a powerful display.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students worked in teams and with their peers as they perfected their scenes and songs. In addition, students called upon experts in the field for help with producing the musical score for their songs. Students utilized digital tools such as Google Drive for collaboration. Students put on the production, almost entirely independently, coordinating lighting and sound. This included having to direct the band for the show, a hired group of musical professionals.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Critical thinking and problem solving was not a focus of this lesson. However, students had to apply a variety of digital tools to solve a complex task. Students had to justify thinking to peers as they had peers perform their original work. Students reflected upon their ability to think critically and communicate as they perfected the final product.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: In this project, students had to create an original and meaningful work to artistically portray real life events. They took a number of risks as they prepared original songs and directed a scene in front of a large audience. Every student had to create original and meaningful work based upon research and after analyzing other productions in previous lessons. The end product was a truly collaborative, innovative, and original product.
Student Artifact
Lesson Materials
