Lesson Plan: The Brown v. Board of Education Decision

Lesson Details

Subject: History

Grade Level: High School

Duration: 1 hour

Learning Outcomes

• Know the background and significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision
• Understand the arguments presented by both sides of the case
• Can explain the impact of the decision on the Civil Rights Movement

Methodology

The lesson will begin with a brief lecture on the history of segregation in public schools and the events leading up to the Brown v. Board of Education case. Students will then be divided into small groups to read and analyze primary source documents related to the case, including excerpts from the majority and dissenting opinions. After group discussion, students will reconvene as a class to share their findings and engage in a class-wide debate on the merits of the decision.

Resources/Materials

• Primary source documents related to the Brown v. Board of Education case
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen

Activities

• Lecture on the history of segregation in public schools
• Small group analysis of primary source documents
• Class-wide debate on the merits of the Brown v. Board of Education decision

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their participation in the small group analysis and class-wide debate, as well as their ability to explain the significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision in a written reflection.