Lessons and Activities

America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibit responds to a question asked by W. E. B. Du Bois in 1903: “Would America have been America without her Negro people?” This selection of student activities and lesson plans is part of the exhibit project.

Visitors will see a wide-ranging collection of rare objects, maps, documents, prints, and other historical items illustrating the ways in which African Americans had a profound impact on the nation.

These educational materials have been designed to prepare your students for a visit to the exhibit, but can also stand alone as a history unit with links to other curricula such as social studies, economics, math, art, and literature.

Included here are a series of six activity sheets for students in each of three age groups:

Accompanying lesson plans include historical background, supplemental activities, and alignment with national standards. For each activity, there is also a special section about the related imprint made by African Americans. A substantial bibliography concludes this teacher’s guide. The entire package is available in print form or online from exhibit venues.

Download the Lessons/Activity Sheets
Download Activity Sheets
Download Lesson Plans