First African American Trailblazers:
A Look Through Time

A WebQuest for 8th Grade (Social Studies)

Designed by

Sharon Kimble

 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction

Have you ever wanted to be first? The first one to play a game, first to learn a new dance, first to stand in line, first to learn a new rap song, first to finish an assignment?

Well, if you've ever thought about being first, do you know who was the first to perform an open heart surgery, the first black cowboy, the first black explorer, the first black general? There are many African American trailblazers who did things first.This trail will introduce you to the many who set the path for African Americans.

 


The Task

    In the form of a diary, letter or play, you will take on the persona of an African American trailblazer listed below. (see rubric)

    In this first person narrative, you will include how you felt socially and emotionally during this honored time of your life. What made you want to be the first?

  


 
   You will compare those feelings with another African American trailblazer of your choice, and present your findings to the class in a power point presentation.
                                                                 
 


The Process

  1. Brainstorm as a class what you know about African American trailblazers and list them on large sheets of butcher block paper.

    2.  

  1. Using information from your research, write a first person narrative in the form of a diary, letter or play. Remember, you are writing from the point of view of the person you researched. You want to include their feelings, fears, hopes and dreams (both realized and dashed). (see rubric)


        http://www.umkc.edu/imc/blackfir.htm

  1. Present your writing to the class using a power-point presentation or the live play.

  2. When you have accomplished this task you and your partner will present your research at the First African American Trailblazer fair.



Evaluation
You will be evaluated using the Rubric. There will be a common grade for group work vs indivisual grades.


Research Report: Narrative essay

Teacher name: Sharon Kimble

Student Name ___________________
CATEGORY Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Quality of Information Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. Information clearly relates to the main topic. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples. Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.
Organization Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well-constructed. The information appears to be disorganized. 8)
Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1 sentence about each. One or more topics were not addressed.
Mechanics No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Diagrams & Illustrations Diagrams and illustrations are neat, accurate and add to the reader's understanding of the topic. Diagrams and illustrations are accurate and add to the reader's understanding of the topic. Diagrams and illustrations are neat and accurate and sometimes add to the reader's understanding of the topic. Diagrams and illustrations are not accurate OR do not add to the reader's understanding of the topic.
Paragraph Construction All paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Paragraphs included related information but were typically not constructed well. Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs.
Sources All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in the desired format. All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented, but a few are not in the desired format. All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented, but many are not in the desired format. Some sources are not accurately documented.
Internet Use Successfully uses suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. Usually able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. Occasionally able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. Needs assistance or supervision to use suggested internet links and/or to navigate within these sites.


Date Created: 2003-07-29

Copyright. © 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 ALTec, the University of Kansas


Conclusion

You will have a clear understanding of how to research, record,and organize major points of information using clear and specific vocabulary to communicate ideas. You will also have an understanding of giving an oral presentation by speaking clearly using a power-point presentation. Also students will be able to compare and contrast two indivisuals and analyze their actions, opinions.and feelings. Work  co-operatively with a group and Role play.


Credits & References

  1. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/intro.html
        http://www.tulsalibrary.org/collections/aarc/firsts/firsts.htm
          http://www.istl.org/istl/00-fall/review1.html

          http://www.npl.org/Pages/ProgramsExhibits/Exhibits/aafirsts.html

          http://www.wnba.com/liberty/news/firsts_030226.html

          http://www.flausa.com/interests/multicultural/africanfirst.php

          http://www.huarchivesnet.howard.edu/0005huarnet/adams1.htm
        http://www.umkc.edu/imc/blackfir.htm

Last updated on July,2003. Based on a template from The WebQuest Pag