Introduction
For a very long time, people have worked together to create positive change. In this WebQuest, we will explore how leaders of the Civil Rights Movement used courage, teamwork, and problem-solving to make our world more fair.
Guiding Questions:
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In what way can other people's actions inspire others to change?
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How is social change similar to change in science?
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this activity, students will:
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Describe key events and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
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Connect scientific thinking (observation, cause and effect, problem-solving) to social change.
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Work collaboratively to create a presentation showing how courage and innovation improve communities.
Task
You and your classmates will work in small groups to create a PPT presentation titled “Science of Change: Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement.”
Your group will choose one Civil Rights leader and show how his/her actions helped bring about change.
Your project should:
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Explain who or what your topic is about.
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Describe the problem they faced and how they solved it.
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Compare this process to how scientists solve problems.
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Include at least one image and one fun fact.
Process
Follow these steps carefully:
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Form groups of three or four. Assign each member a role:
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Researcher: Finds facts and photos.
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Writer: Writes the script or text for slides/poster.
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Designer: Creates the presentation or poster.
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Presenter: Shares your group’s work with the class.
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Research your topic using these links:
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Create your project (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or poster).
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Include a title slide, 3–4 content slides, and a conclusion.
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Be creative — use images, short quotes, and clear facts.
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Practice presenting your project to your group before sharing it with the class.
Evaluation
Your project will be graded using this rubric:
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research & Accuracy | Accurate and detailed information | Mostly accurate | Some details missing | Many errors |
| Creativity & Presentation | Very engaging and original | Clear and organized | Some effort shown | Disorganized or incomplete |
| Teamwork | All members contributed equally | Most participated | Uneven participation | Little teamwork |
| Connection to Science | Strong, clear comparison | Partial comparison | Weak connection | No comparison made |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve explored how people can make a difference by thinking critically, observing problems, and finding solutions.
Credits
The following resources were used to develop this project:
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National Civil Rights Museum – https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org
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PBS Kids: Civil Rights Heroes – https://pbskids.org/americanexperience/freedomriders/
Teacher Page
Learning Objectives:
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Students will describe major events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement.
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Students will apply scientific thinking skills to analyze social change.