black history month: - teaching made practical

Black History Month:

Trading Cards with Activities

© 2014 Kalena Baker: Teaching Made Practical. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents Pages 3 – 8

Famous African American Trading Cards: 15 Cards Total

Pages 9 – 17 Activities for Students to Use with the Trading Cards - Students

must use the Trading Cards to answer a variety of questions. Answer key are included. Some activities do not have answer keys

because the answers will vary depending on the student.

Pages 18 – 22 Reusable Activities for Students to Use with the Trading Cards – Students choose a few trading cards to complete the activities.

These activities can be repeated by having students choose different trading cards.


Making and Using the Trading Cards Making the Cards

1.  Cut on the straight dotted lines. Do NOT cut the solid line. 2.  Fold the card on the solid line. 3.  Glue the backs of the cards together so that one one side has

the famous African American picture and the other side has information.

4.  Save time by having the students create the cards! Or, create them yourself and laminate for multiple uses.

Using the Cards 1.  Place the cards in a center, and have students use the cards

to complete the activities. 2.  Give partners a card to study and present to the class. 3.  Give partners a set of cards and have them complete the

activities together. 4.  Have students practice their fluency with repeated readings of

a card to different partners.


Martin Luther King, Jr. Sojourner Truth Thurgood Marshall

Born: around

1797

Died: 1883

Sojourner Truth was born a slave in New York. She was sold several times as a slave, separating her from her family and other important people in her life. Sojourner escaped from slavery in 1826 with her youngest daughter. She later devoted her life to the rights of both African Americans and women. She gave many speeches, encouraging equality for all. The story of her life was published in the book The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up with a supportive and loving family, but he was still exposed to racism from a young age. As an adult, Martin was one of the most influential figures in the fight to end segregation. He encouraged people to take action in a nonviolent way. His “I Have a Dream Speech” inspired many. He was murdered in 1968, but his life is still honored today through a national holiday known as “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.”

Born: 1929

Died: 1968

Born: 1908

Died: 1993

Thurgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland. From a young age, he enjoyed listening to lawyers’ arguments at the local courthouse. In high school, he joined the debate team, developing skills he would use throughout his life. Thurgood went to law school at Howard University. As a lawyer, he won several cases that were instrumental in helping to end legal segregation. He was the first African American to become a Supreme Court justice.


Booker T. Washington Frederick Douglas Harriet Tubman

Born: 1856

Died: 1915

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in Virginia. From a young age, he yearned to go to school and learn, but it was illegal to teach a slave how to read and write. After the Civil War, Booker and his family were no longer slaves. Booker put himself through school by working as a janitor. Eventually, Booker would became a teacher, and he also founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Alabama, which focused on training African Americans.

Born: around

1818

Died: 1895

Frederick Douglas was born a slave in Maryland. His owner’s wife taught him how to read and write, ignoring the rule about not teaching slaves. Frederick tried to escape slavery 3 times and was finally successful on his 3rd attempt. He spoke out against slavery and wrote several famous articles and books, including Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. He was one of the most famous men of his time, influencing the lives of many.

Born: around

1820

Died: 1913

Harriet Tubman was born a slave in Maryland. She endured many physical and mental hardships from a young age. For example, her family was separated from each other when 3 of her sisters were sold to different owners. Harriet escaped from slavery in 1849, and then spent her life trying to help others do the same. She used the Underground Railroad, a collection of safe houses that runaway slaves could use to hide themselves.


George Washington Carver Carol Moseley Braun Maya Angelou

Born: around

1864

Died: 1943

George Washington Carver was born a slave in Missouri. After the Civil War, however, he was freed from slavery and began school. He eventually became the first African American student to attend Iowa State. After college, George was hired to run Tuskegee Institute’s agricultural department. His work in agriculture helped many struggling farmers. George became a famous scientist and inventor. He is most well known for his inventions utilizing peanuts.

Born: 1947

Died: still alive

Carol Moseley Braun was born in Chicaco, Illinois. She graduated with a political science degree in 1969, and then went on to law school to become a lawyer. She ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1992 and became the first African American woman to win election to the U.S. Senate. As a member of the Senate, she fought for women’s rights and educational reform. She was later appointed U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand. Carol currently works as a business consultant.

Born: 1928

Died: 2014

Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but later moved to Arkansas with her mother. She experienced several traumatic events as a young child. As an adult, Maya’s life was filled with a variety of accomplishments. She was the first African American woman to write a nonfiction best seller. She was also the first African American woman to have a screenplay produced. Her writing has touched many lives. She was also a dancer, poet, and actress.


Jesse Owens Rosa Parks Duke Ellington

Born: 1913

Died: 1980

Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama. He was often sick as a child, battling pneumonia and bronchial congestion. He would overcome these sicknesses and become a great athlete. Jesse quickly became recognized for his skill in track and field events, particularly in sprinting and the long jump. In 1935, Jesse competed in 42 events, and he won them all! In 1936, Jesse participated in the Olympic Games and won 4 gold medals and broke 2 records.

Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. As a child, she experienced several instances of segregation and prejudice. Rosa’s actions on December 1, 1955 would trigger events that changed the United States forever. After a long day’s work, Rosa was riding a full bus home. She was asked to give up her seat for a white person, but refused and was arrested. She became a symbol for the civil rights movement, which was seeking equality for everybody.

Born: 1913

Died: 2005

Born: 1899

Died: 1974

Duke Ellington was born in Washington D.C. to two musicians. He began playing the piano at a young age and wrote his first song at the age of 15. Duke began playing professionally by the age of 17, and his career continued successfully for more than 50 years. He earned 12 Grammys and wrote an autobiography about his life. Duke helped make jazz and ragtime popular and he was a significant figure in jazz history.


Benjamin Banneker Louis Armstrong Hank Aaron

Born: 1731

Died: 1806

Benjamin Banneker was born in Maryland to two ex-slaves. Although Benjamin was never a slave, he spoke out against slavery throughout his life. Benjamin was mostly self taught, learning through observation and borrowed books. He became a famous astronomer, writer, and mathematician. However, he is most well known for the almanacs he created which contained a variety of things, including his own astronomical calculations.

Born: 1901

Died: 1971

Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in a very poor area. He had to quit school in 5th grade to so that he could begin working. Louis moved to Chicago in 1922 where he joined a jazz band that grew to be popular. He made his first recording in 1923. Throughout his career, he became famous in the United States and around the world for his singing and trumpet playing. He also appeared in several movies. Many of his songs are still popular today.

Born: 1934

Died: still alive

Hank Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama. He excelled at both football and baseball from a very young age. He joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1952, and quickly became known as an outstanding baseball player. Despite his success, he still had to endure racist statements, including death threats. Hank often spoke up for minorities. Hank is still considered to be one of baseball’s greatest players, breaking many baseball records.


Activities for Students to Use with the Cards

Pages 9 – 17

These activities require students to refer back to the cards in order to be successful at answering

the questions. Answer keys for three of the activities are included. Some activities do not have

answer keys because the answers will vary depending on the student.


Famous African Americans

Use the information from the trading cards to answer the questions!

Sort the trading cards based on when the famous African Americans were born – before or after 1900.

Born BEFORE 1900 Born AFTER 1900

Sort the trading cards based on whether or not the famous African Americans were born into slavery.

Born into Slavery NOT Born into Slavery

Compare the two lists. What do you notice? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Famous African Americans Use the information from the trading cards to list where each famous African American was born!

On the map, shade in all

of the states

where a famous African

American was born,

according to the trading

cards.

After shading in the map, what do

you notice?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alabama Louisiana Georgia Illinois

Maryland

Virginia New York Missouri Washington D.C.




Which of the famous African Americans are still alive? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were musicians? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were athletes? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were lawyers? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans had trading cards that said they were born “around” a certain year?

_______________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________

Why do you think the trading cards said they were born “around” a certain year?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________ Which of the famous African Americans had to escape

from slavery? List them below. .

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Which one of the famous African Americans was born earliest?.

___________________________




Who worked harder, Booker T. Washington or Jesse Owens? Defend you reasoning.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Who helped more people, Harriet Tubman or Rosa

Parks? Defend you reasoning.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Who contributed more to jazz, Duke Ellington or Louis Armstrong? Defend you reasoning.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Who would you rather be friends with, Maya Angelou

or Carol Mosely Braun? Defend you reasoning.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________



Of the 15 famous African Americans, who is the most important? Justify your thinking. Be sure to include details from the trading cards in your answer.

______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




Sort the trading cards based on when the famous African Americans were born – before or after 1900.

Sojourner Truth Martin Luther King, Jr.

Booker T. Washington Thurgood Marshall

Frederick Douglass Carol Moseley Braun

Harriet Tubman Maya Angelou

George Washington Carver Jesse Owens

Duke Ellington Rosa Parks

Benjamin Banneker Louis Armstrong

Hank Aaron

Born BEFORE 1900 Born AFTER 1900

Sort the trading cards based on whether or not the famous African Americans were born into slavery.

Born into Slavery NOT Born into Slavery

Sojourner Truth Martin Luther King, Jr.

Booker T. Washington Thurgood Marshall

Frederick Douglass Carol Moseley Braun

Harriet Tubman Maya Angelou

George Washington Carver Jesse Owens

Duke Ellington

Rosa Parks

Benjamin Banneker

Louis Armstrong

Hank Aaron

Compare the two lists. What do you notice? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answers will Vary


Famous African Americans Use the information from the trading cards to list where each famous African American was born!

On the map, shade in all

of the states

where a famous African

American was born,

according to the trading

cards.

After shading in the map, what do

you notice?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alabama

•  Jesse Owens •  Rosa Parks •  Hank Aaron

Louisiana

•  Louis Armstrong

Georgia

•  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illinois

•  Carol Moseley Braun

Maryland

•  Thurgood Marshall

•  Frederick Douglass

•  Harriet Tubman •  Benjamin

Banneker

Virginia

•  Booker T. Washington

New York

•  Sojourner Truth

Missouri

•  George Washington Carver

•  Maya Angelou

Washington D.C.

•  Duke Ellington

Answers will vary

Sha

de

Sha

de

Sha

de

Sha

de

Shade

Shade

Shade

Shade

Students might need some assistance

with Washington D.C.




Which of the famous African Americans are still alive? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were musicians? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were athletes? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans were lawyers? List them below.

___________________________

___________________________

Which of the famous African Americans had trading cards that said they were born “around” a certain year?

_______________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________

Why do you think the trading cards said they were born “around” a certain year?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________ Which of the famous African Americans had to escape

from slavery? List them below. .

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Which one of the famous African Americans was born earliest?.

___________________________

Carol Moseley Braun Hank Aaron

Duke Ellington Louis Armstrong

Jesse Owens Hank Aaron

Thurgood Marshall Carol Mosely Braun

Sojourner Truth Frederick Douglass

Harriet Tubman George Washington

Carver

The exact date of their births are not known. The dates given are estimates.

Sojourner Truth Frederick Douglass

Harriet Tubman

Benjamin Banneker


Reusable Activities to Use With the Cards

Pages 18 – 22

These activities have students choose a few of the trading cards in order to answer the

questions. By having students choose different cards, the activities can be repeated several times. This is a good opportunity for teacher

modeling. Answer keys are not included because answers will vary depending on the cards chosen.


Famous African Americans Choose 2 famous African Americans, and then compare and contrast them using the Venn Diagram. Then, write a

short paragraph explaining the most important similarities and differences between the 2 famous African Americans.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Famous African American:_______________________________ Famous African American:_______________________________



Choose a trading card, and read it carefully. Then, write 2 facts and 1 fib about that person, in any order you want. See if a partner can find the fib!

Famous African American: ____________________________

Famous African American: ____________________________

1. _______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

2._______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

3._______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

1. _______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

2._______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

3._______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________



Choose 5 African American trading cards, and create a timeline using the year each of them was born! CHALLENGE: Include other dates mentioned in the trading cards.



Choose 5 African American trading cards, and rank them in order from who you think made the most important contributions to the United States, to who made the least important contributions. Defend your thinking.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Made the Most Important Contributions

Made the Least Important Contributions

Justify your rankings. Be sure to explain the reasoning for the placement of all 5 famous

African Americans.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

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