Black History Scavenger Hunt Lesson Plan
Black History Scavenger Hunt
Lesson Plan • 9-10 Year Olds
60 Minutes
Objective
Students will explore and identify significant figures and pivotal events in Black history through inquiry-based discovery.
Approach
Game-Based Learning, Active Inquiry, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
Materials
- Printed Clue Cards
- Student Recording Sheets
- Teacher Answer Key
- Pens/Pencils
Why This Lesson?
This lesson engages students in an active hunt for knowledge, moving beyond passive reading. By discovering historical facts through play, students develop a deeper connection to significant figures. This approach promotes cultural awareness and appreciation while strengthening critical thinking and teamwork skills essential for 9-10 year olds.
Instructional Procedure
1
Introduction
10 Mins
- Briefly introduce the importance of Black History Month and its significance in celebrating achievements and recognizing struggles.
- Explain the scavenger hunt activity: "Today, you'll be historical detectives. Your goal is to find clues hidden around the room that describe incredible leaders and events."
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
2
Scavenger Hunt
40 Mins
- Distribute the **Recording Sheets** to each group.
- Ensure **Clue Cards** are pre-placed around the classroom or designated area.
- Each group works together to solve the clues. They must find the card that matches the question on their sheet and record the answer.
- Circulate the room to provide scaffolding and encourage discussion within groups.
3
Closure & Reflection
10 Mins
- Gather the whole class to discuss the findings.
- Ask: "Which person or event surprised you the most?" or "Which contribution do you think has the biggest impact today?"
- Reflect on how these historical contributions continue to shape our society.
Note: To increase the difficulty, hide the cards in more challenging spots. For younger groups, you can include photos of the figures on the clue cards to aid recognition.
Black History Clue Cards Complete
1
Identity Clue
I was the first African American woman to travel in space.
2
Famous Words
In 1963, I delivered a famous speech titled "I Have a Dream." Who am I?
3
Law & Liberty
I am the Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that abolished slavery.
4
Arts & Culture
I was the first African American to win an Academy Award.
5
Hidden Paths
I was a network of secret routes used by enslaved people to escape to freedom.
6
Justice Firsts
I was the first African American to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
7
Sports Hero
In 1947, I broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
8
Civil Rights
My refusal to give up my bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
9
Media History
I was the first African American-owned and operated newspaper in the U.S.
10
The White House
I was the first African American to be elected President of the United States.
11
Agriculture
I am a scientist known for my work with peanuts and crop rotation.
12
Entrepreneurship
I was a self-made millionaire in the early 20th century (Madam C.J. ...).
13
Cultural Movement
I was a cultural movement in the 1920s centered in Harlem, New York.
14
Famous Words
I was an activist who delivered the "Ain't I a Woman?" speech.
15
Literature
I wrote the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Who am I?
16
Education
I was the leader who founded the Tuskegee Institute.
17
Dance & Arts
I became the first female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
18
Civil Rights
I was a civil rights leader who co-founded the NAACP.
19
Music Icon
I am known as the "King of Pop." Who am I?
20
Diplomacy
I was the first African American female Secretary of State.
21
Sports Champ
I was a boxer who became the world heavyweight champion in 1937.
22
Poetry
I wrote the poem "The Weary Blues." Who am I?
23
Literature
I was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature.
24
Innovation
I was an inventor known for improving the light bulb filament.
25
NASA Trailblazer
I became the first female astronaut to travel to space.
26
Famous Words
I delivered the powerful "Ballot or the Bullet" speech.
27
Opera Star
I was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
28
Medicine
I developed the first successful polio vaccine (Dr. Charles ...).
29
Historic VP
I became the first female Vice President of the United States.
30
Global Leader
I founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association.
Black History Answer Key Document
Answer Key
Black History Scavenger Hunt
Mae Jemison
First woman in space
"I Have a Dream"
Martin Luther King Jr.
13th Amendment
Abolished slavery
Hattie McDaniel
First to win an Academy Award
Underground Railroad
Secret escape network
Thurgood Marshall
First Supreme Court Justice
Jackie Robinson
Broke MLB color barrier
Rosa Parks
Bus Boycott catalyst
Freedom's Journal
First Black-owned newspaper
Barack Obama
First Black President
George Washington Carver
Peanuts & crop rotation
Madam C.J. Walker
Self-made millionaire
Harlem Renaissance
1920s cultural movement
Sojourner Truth
"Ain't I a Woman?"
Zora Neale Hurston
"Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Booker T. Washington
Founded Tuskegee Institute
Misty Copeland
ABT Principal Dancer
W.E.B. Du Bois
Co-founded NAACP
Michael Jackson
"King of Pop"
Condoleezza Rice
First female Secretary of State
Joe Louis
Heavyweight Champion
Langston Hughes
"The Weary Blues"
Toni Morrison
Nobel Prize in Literature
Lewis Latimer
Light bulb filament improvement
Black History Scavenger Hunt Slides
History
Detectives
Black History Scavenger Hunt
Your Mission
1
Hidden around this room are **30 clues** about legendary people and events in Black history.
2
Your group must solve the clues and find the matching **Card Number**.
3
Write the name or event on your **Recording Sheet** to complete your mission!
Can you find
all 30?
Detective Code of Conduct
Teamwork
Stick together! No detective works alone. Talk about the clues with your group.
Stealth
Keep your findings secret! Don't shout out the answers or locations to other teams.
Respect
Don't move the cards! Leave them exactly where you found them for the next team.
Detectives Ready?
Grab your recording sheet, sharpen your pencils, and let the history hunt begin!
Time: 40 Mins
Go!
