Civil Rights: Then & Now Social Media Campaign
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as social media activists, use a shared online platform to educate our community about the evolution of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting both its historical changes and enduring legacies from 1945 to 1980?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How did civil rights movements evolve and grow between 1945 and 1960?
- In what ways did different groups react to demands for greater civil rights from 1960 to 1980?
- How did the federal government respond to the push for expanded civil rights?
- What are the similarities and differences between the civil rights movements from 1945-1960 and 1960-1980?
- How can social media be used to educate others about civil rights?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the historical progression of the Civil Rights Movement from 1945 to 1980.
- Analyze the diverse responses to the call for civil rights expansion among various groups.
- Examine the federal government's role and responses to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Compare and contrast the characteristics of the civil rights movements across different periods.
- Develop digital literacy skills by creating and managing a social media campaign.
- Educate peers and the broader community about the historical and continuing importance of civil rights.
Teacher Provided Standards
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsCivil Rights 'Influencer' Challenge
Challenge students to adopt the persona of a civil rights figure and create a viral social media post explaining their cause and goals. This encourages students to think about effective communication strategies and the power of social media in shaping public opinion, both then and now.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Era Introductions: Setting the Stage (1945-1960)
Students create introductory social media posts that detail the key events, figures, and the overall social and political climate of the Civil Rights Movement between 1945 and 1960. This activity is assigned to a specific group.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of social media posts that effectively introduce the period of 1945-1960, complete with visuals and engaging text.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with US.11.H.5.4 by setting the historical context and introducing the initial phase of the civil rights movements. Also aligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.6 through the use of technology to publish information.Voices of Dissent: Group Response Analysis (1960-1980)
Students research and create social media posts that represent different groups' responses (positive, negative, or indifferent) to the expansion of civil rights from 1960 to 1980. This activity is assigned to a specific group.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of social media posts showcasing the diverse responses to civil rights expansion, demonstrating an understanding of different viewpoints.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses US.11.H.5.5 by exploring how various groups reacted to the civil rights movement's expansion. Also aligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7 by integrating information from multiple sources to represent different viewpoints.Government Action Spotlight: Federal Response Deep Dive
Students investigate and present the various ways the federal government responded to calls for civil rights expansion through social media posts. This activity is assigned to a specific group.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of informative social media posts that highlight the federal government's role in the Civil Rights Movement, illustrating its impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCorresponds to US.11.H.5.6 by focusing on the federal government's responses to the civil rights movement. Also utilizes CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.6 by using digital platforms to disseminate information.Civil Rights Timeline: Continuities and Changes
Students collaboratively construct a social media timeline that illustrates the evolution of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting continuities and changes from 1945 to 1980. This activity is assigned to a specific group.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive social media timeline that visually represents the Civil Rights Movement's progression, emphasizing both its enduring aspects and transformations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates US.11.H.5.4, US.11.H.5.5, and US.11.H.5.6 by providing a holistic view of the civil rights movements, showing its development, the responses it evoked, and the government's actions. Also aligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7 by synthesizing information from various sources into a cohesive narrative.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCivil Rights Movement Social Media Campaign Rubric
Historical Accuracy and Understanding
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding of key events, figures, and concepts related to the Civil Rights Movement from 1945-1980.Content Accuracy
Presents factually correct information about the Civil Rights Movement, avoiding misrepresentations or omissions.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll information presented is accurate, well-researched, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the historical context. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsInformation is mostly accurate with only minor inaccuracies or omissions. Demonstrates thorough understanding.
Developing
2 PointsContains some factual errors or significant omissions, indicating a limited understanding of the historical context. Shows emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate information or demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of the Civil Rights Movement. Shows initial understanding.
Contextual Understanding
Explains the social, political, and economic context surrounding the Civil Rights Movement, showing its complexities and nuances.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the social, political, and economic factors that influenced the Civil Rights Movement. Applies concepts innovatively.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains the key social, political, and economic factors relevant to the Civil Rights Movement. Applies concepts appropriately.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some social, political, or economic factors but lacks depth in explanation. Applies concepts inconsistently.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or explain the social, political, and economic context of the Civil Rights Movement. Struggles with concept application.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Demonstrates critical thinking skills by analyzing different perspectives, evaluating sources, and drawing informed conclusions about the Civil Rights Movement.Perspective Analysis
Presents and analyzes different perspectives on the Civil Rights Movement, including those of activists, opponents, and the government.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a comprehensive analysis of multiple perspectives, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complexities and contradictions within the Civil Rights Movement. Shows exceptional critical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents and analyzes different perspectives, demonstrating an understanding of the diverse viewpoints surrounding the Civil Rights Movement. Shows effective critical thinking.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies different perspectives but provides limited analysis or explanation. Demonstrates basic critical thinking.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or analyze different perspectives on the Civil Rights Movement. Demonstrates minimal critical thinking.
Source Evaluation
Critically evaluates the sources used for research, considering their credibility, bias, and relevance.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated ability to critically evaluate sources, identifying bias, assessing credibility, and determining relevance with exceptional insight. Produces outstanding quality work.
Proficient
3 PointsEvaluates sources effectively, considering credibility, bias, and relevance. Produces quality work consistently.
Developing
2 PointsShows some awareness of source evaluation but lacks depth in analysis. Produces work of varying quality.
Beginning
1 PointsUses sources without critical evaluation or consideration of their credibility. Produces incomplete work.
Communication and Presentation
Effectively communicates information about the Civil Rights Movement through engaging and informative social media posts.Clarity and Engagement
Presents information clearly and concisely, using language and visuals that are appropriate for a social media audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information with exceptional clarity and engagement, using innovative communication strategies to capture the audience's attention and promote understanding. Exhibits advanced integration of skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information clearly and engagingly, using appropriate language and visuals. Integrates skills successfully.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some clarity but may lack engagement or use inappropriate language/visuals. Shows partial skill integration.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents information unclearly or in a way that is not engaging for a social media audience. Shows limited skill integration.
Use of Social Media
Effectively utilizes social media features (e.g., hashtags, images, videos) to enhance the impact and reach of the campaign.
Exemplary
4 PointsMasterfully uses social media features to create a highly impactful and engaging campaign, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of online communication strategies. Provides comprehensive evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively uses social media features to enhance the campaign's impact and reach. Provides clear evidence.
Developing
2 PointsUses some social media features but may not fully maximize their potential. Provides limited evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsMakes limited or ineffective use of social media features. Provides insufficient evidence.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Contributes effectively to the collaborative creation of the social media campaign.Individual Contribution
Actively participates in group discussions, shares ideas, and completes assigned tasks responsibly.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates leadership by actively contributing insightful ideas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring the completion of tasks to the highest standard. Shows leadership in collaborative settings.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes effectively to group discussions, shares ideas, and completes assigned tasks responsibly. Contributes effectively to collaboration.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group discussions and completes some assigned tasks but may require prompting or support. Participates in collaboration.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited participation in group discussions or struggles to complete assigned tasks. Requires support in collaboration.
Group Dynamics
Works cooperatively with other group members, respecting diverse perspectives and resolving conflicts constructively.
Exemplary
4 PointsFosters a positive and productive group environment by actively promoting cooperation, valuing diverse perspectives, and resolving conflicts constructively and effectively. Provides comprehensive evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsWorks cooperatively with other group members, respecting diverse perspectives and resolving conflicts constructively. Provides clear evidence.
Developing
2 PointsGenerally works cooperatively but may occasionally struggle with respecting diverse perspectives or resolving conflicts. Provides limited evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to work cooperatively with other group members or demonstrates difficulty respecting diverse perspectives. Provides insufficient evidence.