🧠Black History Month: Becoming a Research Detective

Lesson plan

Objectives

• Students will be able to define 'research' and explain its importance in learning about historical events and figures.
• Students will be able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information for research purposes.
• Students will be able to identify and record at least three key facts about a chosen Black History Month figure from a provided reliable source.
• Students will be able to organize notes using a simple graphic organizer to prepare for a research project.

Materials

• Whiteboard or projector
• Markers or pens
• Handout: 'Research Detective's Notebook' (worksheet)
• Access to a computer lab or tablets with pre-selected reliable websites (e.g., National Geographic Kids, Biography.com, official museum sites like Smithsonian, historical society websites)
• Index cards or small slips of paper for exit tickets
• Chart paper or large sticky notes for group brainstorms
• Pre-selected age-appropriate books about Black History Month figures (optional, for struggling learners)

Warm-up

Begin by asking students, 'When you want to find out information about something you don't know, where do you look? How do you know if the information is true?' Give students 2 minutes to 'Think-Pair-Share' with a partner. After 2 minutes, call on a few pairs to share their ideas with the class, recording their responses on the board.

Direct instruction

1. **1. Introduction to Research (5 minutes):** Define 'research' as 'careful study to discover new facts or information.' Explain that we research to learn, solve problems, and understand the world better. Today, we'll become 'Research Detectives' to learn about amazing people for Black History Month.
2. **2. Why Research Black History Month? (5 minutes):** Discuss the importance of Black History Month – to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals and understand their impact on history and society. Emphasize that accurate research helps us tell their stories truthfully and respectfully.
3. **3. Introducing Sources (5 minutes):** Explain that 'sources' are where we get our information. Brainstorm different types of sources (books, encyclopedias, websites, documentaries, interviews). Write these on the board.
4. **4. Reliable vs. Unreliable Sources (10 minutes):** Introduce the concept of reliable (trustworthy, accurate) and unreliable (not always true, opinion-based) sources. Provide examples: 'Is Wikipedia always reliable? What about a personal blog? What about a website from a museum or a university?' Discuss clues for reliability (author expertise, .gov/.edu/.org domains, multiple sources confirming facts). Use simple examples like 'If your friend tells you a fact, is that always reliable?' vs. 'If a book written by a historian tells you a fact, is that more reliable?'
5. **5. Choosing a Research Topic (5 minutes):** Explain that for Black History Month, students will choose a person or event to research. Provide a short list of age-appropriate figures (e.g., Ruby Bridges, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Mae Jemison, Harriet Tubman). Students can also suggest others with approval. Emphasize choosing someone they are curious about.
6. **6. Note-Taking Basics (5 minutes):** Introduce simple note-taking: writing down keywords, dates, important events, and achievements. Model how to avoid copying full sentences (plagiarism). Explain that we're looking for main ideas and facts, not opinions.

Guided practice

Let's try being Research Detectives together! I will project a reliable website (e.g., Biography.com's page on Rosa Parks). As a class, we will navigate the page and identify key facts about Rosa Parks. I'll ask questions like, 'What year was she born?' 'What famous event is she known for?' 'What impact did her actions have?' I will model filling out the first section of the 'Research Detective's Notebook' worksheet on Rosa Parks, showing how to write down keywords and important dates without copying full sentences. For example, I might write: 'Born: Feb 4, 1913, Tuskegee, AL' and 'Famous for: Refusing to give up bus seat, Dec 1, 1955, Montgomery, AL. Led to Montgomery Bus Boycott.'

Independent practice

Students will receive the 'Research Detective's Notebook' worksheet. Each student will choose one Black History Month figure (from the approved list or their own suggestion). Using pre-selected reliable websites or provided books, students will begin their research. Their task is to find at least three key facts (e.g., birth/death dates, major achievements, significant contributions) about their chosen figure and record them in their 'Detective's Notebook,' identifying the source they used. Circulate to provide support and check for understanding.

Closure

Bring the class back together. Ask a few students to share one interesting fact they discovered about their chosen figure. Collect the 'Research Detective's Notebook' worksheets. For an exit ticket, have students write on an index card: 'Name one reliable source you could use for research and why it's reliable.' This will help assess their understanding of source evaluation.

Assessment

Mastery will be measured by: 1) The accuracy and completeness of the 'Research Detective's Notebook' worksheet, specifically identifying at least three key facts and the source. 2) The quality of their response on the exit ticket, demonstrating an understanding of reliable sources. 3) Informal observation during guided and independent practice to assess their ability to navigate sources and take notes.

Differentiation

For struggling learners: Provide pre-printed information cards with key facts about a figure, or direct them to specific paragraphs in a book. Pair them with a stronger reader. Provide a simpler graphic organizer with fewer fields. For advanced learners: Encourage them to find information from multiple sources and compare facts. Challenge them to find a lesser-known figure. Ask them to identify an important quote from their figure and explain its meaning.

Research Detective's Notebook: Black History Month

Welcome, Research Detective! Your mission is to find important facts about a significant Black History Month figure. Follow these steps: 1. Choose ONE person from the approved list or your own idea. 2. Use the provided reliable sources (websites or books) to find information. 3. Write down at least THREE key facts about your person in the 'Clues' section. Remember to use your own words, not copy sentences! 4. Write down the name of the source you used.

1. My Research Subject (Name of person):
2. Source I Used (Website name or Book Title):
3. Clue 1: When and where was this person born?
4. Clue 2: What is one important thing this person did or achieved?
5. Clue 3: How did this person make a difference in the world?
6. Is a personal blog post a reliable source for historical facts? (Yes/No/Maybe)
7. Circle the most reliable source for information about a historical event: A) A friend's social media post B) A government history archive website (.gov) C) A fan fiction story
8. Why is it important to use your own words when taking notes, instead of copying sentences?
9. List two types of information you should look for when researching a person's life.
10. Imagine you found two different facts about a person's birth date from two different sources. What should you do?
11. What does the suffix '.edu' often tell you about a website?

Research Detective Quiz

1. What is the main purpose of doing research?
   • To copy information from a book
   • To discover new facts and learn about a topic
   • To make up stories about history
   • To avoid doing homework
   Answer: To discover new facts and learn about a topic
2. Which of these is generally considered a RELIABLE source for historical information?
   • A personal blog written by a kid
   • A social media post from an unknown person
   • A website from a well-known museum (.org or .gov)
   • A fictional story about the past
   Answer: A website from a well-known museum (.org or .gov)
3. Why is Black History Month important to research?
   • It's the only history month we celebrate
   • To avoid learning about other cultures
   • To celebrate and understand the contributions of Black individuals to history and society
   • Because it's required by law
   Answer: To celebrate and understand the contributions of Black individuals to history and society
4. When taking notes for research, what should you try to avoid?
   • Writing down important dates
   • Using your own words
   • Copying sentences word-for-word from the source
   • Identifying key achievements
   Answer: Copying sentences word-for-word from the source
5. What does it mean for a source to be 'unreliable'?
   • It is always correct and trustworthy
   • It might contain opinions or inaccurate information
   • It is very long and detailed
   • It is hard to find
   Answer: It might contain opinions or inaccurate information
6. If you are researching Martin Luther King Jr., what kind of information would be a 'key fact'?
   • His favorite color
   • The date of his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech
   • What he ate for breakfast on a particular day
   • A rumor about his childhood
   Answer: The date of his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech
7. Which domain suffix often indicates a reliable educational institution's website?
   • .com
   • .net
   • .biz
   • .edu
   Answer: .edu
8. What is a good first step when starting research on a new topic?
   • Write a full report immediately
   • Look at only one source and stop
   • Choose a topic and find some general information about it
   • Make up facts you think are interesting
   Answer: Choose a topic and find some general information about it

Black History Month Research Homework: Discovering More!

Dear Families, Today in class, we began our exciting journey into research, focusing on important figures for Black History Month. Students learned how to identify reliable sources and started taking notes on a chosen individual. This homework extends their in-class learning by encouraging them to continue exploring and gathering more facts. Please help your child access reliable sources (like library books, educational websites, or documentaries) and discuss what they are learning. The goal is to deepen their understanding and prepare them for sharing their findings in class.

• Review your 'Research Detective's Notebook' from class. What facts did you already find?
• Choose one additional reliable source (a book, another approved website, or a documentary) related to your chosen Black History Month figure.
• Read or watch the new source carefully, looking for new information.
• Add at least two new key facts (e.g., challenges faced, other achievements, quotes) to your 'Research Detective's Notebook' on a separate piece of paper.
• Write down the name of your new source clearly.
• Be prepared to share one new interesting fact you discovered with the class tomorrow.

Vocabulary

Research · noun/verb

The careful study of a topic to discover new facts or information.

"For our Black History Month project, we will research the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Source · noun

A place, person, or thing from which information comes.

"A book about Harriet Tubman can be a reliable source for our research."

Reliable · adjective

Able to be trusted; accurate and true.

"A museum website is often a reliable source of historical facts."

Unreliable · adjective

Not able to be trusted; possibly inaccurate or based on opinion.

"A social media post with no facts is an unreliable source of news."

Fact · noun

Something that is known to be true or to have happened.

"It is a fact that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus."

Opinion · noun

A belief or view about something, not necessarily based on fact.

"My opinion is that chocolate ice cream is the best flavor, but that's not a fact."

Biography · noun

A written account of another person's life.

"We read a biography about Ruby Bridges to learn about her childhood."

Contribution · noun

The part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result or helping something to advance.

"George Washington Carver made many important contributions to agriculture."

Legacy · noun

Something handed down from the past; the lasting impact of a person's life.

"The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire people around the world."

Plagiarism · noun

Taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own.

"Copying sentences directly from a book without giving credit is plagiarism."

Activities

• Source Scavenger Hunt · 10 minutes

  Divide students into small groups. Give each group a mix of printed 'sources' (e.g., a fake social media post, a printout from Biography.com, a snippet from a personal blog, an encyclopedia page). Their task is to categorize each source as 'Reliable' or 'Unreliable' and explain why. Groups share their findings, fostering critical thinking about source evaluation.

• Fact vs. Opinion Sort · 10 minutes

  Prepare cards with various statements related to Black History Month figures (some facts, some opinions). In pairs, students sort the cards into 'Fact' and 'Opinion' piles. They must be ready to explain their reasoning for each card. This reinforces the distinction crucial for accurate research and note-taking.

• Biography Brainstorm Web · 10 minutes

  After students have chosen their research subject, provide them with a large sheet of paper or whiteboard space. They write their chosen figure's name in the center and brainstorm outwards, creating a web of categories they want to research (e.g., 'Early Life,' 'Major Accomplishments,' 'Challenges,' 'Impact'). This helps organize their future research efforts.

• Mini-Presentation Prep · 15 minutes

  Students work individually or in pairs to organize the facts they've gathered into a short, informal presentation outline. They should plan to introduce their figure, share 3-5 key facts, and explain why this person is important. This low-stakes practice builds confidence and prepares them for future sharing of their research.