Group WebQuest to Emphasize Black Contributions in the US
Tips for Including Multilingual Learners
From Famous Black Woman Scientists you should know
We are on the cusp of Black History Month in the United States. I’ve learned in the past few years that Black History Month can be difficult for African-American students (especially in predominantly White schools) because teachers often just focus on the struggle rather than other amazing contributions of Black people throughout history. Listen to an exemplary Anti-Racist Educator, Jasmine Bradshaw, explain.
Check out her website for more resources: First Name Basis.
So, while students need to know about the Civil War, emancipation, civil rights, and current struggles, it’s important that they also learn about the contributions of African Americans and Black Joy.
Whether you teach history, art, mathematics, or science, take some time to have students learn about Black contributors in your field.
Step 1: Introduction to Group WebQuest in your Content Area
Begin with a presentation explaining why you want your students to understand the contributions of African-Americans (artists, scientists, mathematicians, musicians, and historians) throughout history. To ensure comprehensible input for beginning/intermediate MLs, create slides with images. Also, pause for pair/shares throughout. The presentation could include the following:
Inspiration and Empowerment: Celebrating accomplishments shows all students the contributions of Black Americans. Highlighting success stories can inspire and empower people to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges, fostering a sense of pride and self-worth, especially when so much of what they hear or watch is struggle or negativity.
Cultural Appreciation: Black history is an integral part of global culture. By showcasing accomplishments, we promote a more nuanced picture of the rich cultural heritage that Black individuals have contributed to society.
Mitigating tokenism: Focusing on achievements challenges stereotypes and misconceptions that may arise from a narrative centered only on a few people from the civil rights struggles. It helps counteract undue attention to suffering by showcasing the diversity of talents and abilities within the Black community.
Contribution to Global Progress: Black individuals have played crucial roles in advancing human knowledge, technology, and culture. Recognizing these contributions emphasizes the global impact of Black history, highlighting that accomplishments are not confined to any particular racial or ethnic group.
Step 2: Choose an African-American Contributor
Here’s an example for the science classroom!
Each group will select a Black scientist by researching the websites you provide. Here are some websites to get them started:
1,000 inspiring Black scientists in America
Ten Black Scientists that Science Teachers Should Know About
Each group should research their chosen scientist's background, education, notable achievements, and impact on their field. Have them add why this scientist inspired them. After they identify a scientist, they may need to go to other websites to get the information they need.
Step 3: Create a WebQuest Presentation
What is a WebQuest?
Model a multimedia presentation of a scientist (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) that is similar to what you are expecting from your students. Intentionally point out all of the components you are asking them to include.
Have students choose or assign roles for the project. Each one could be in charge of one or two aspects of the presentation. You might also assign an additional role (see this list for ideas). Allow MLs to look up information in their dominant/primary language and then translate it back to English. Include information on the scientist's
early life,
education,
major contributions,
challenges faced,
lasting impact on their field
what impressed each group member
Encourage students to use visuals, such as images, graphs, and videos, to enhance their presentations and to create comprehensible input for MLs.
Step 4: Oral Presentation
Each group will present their findings to the class, highlighting the key aspects of their chosen scientist's life and contributions. It may be difficult for a newcomer to present in front of the class. Scaffold for them and require only a few sentences. It’s great for more fluent speakers to support the MLs. Tell them their group will score high on collaboration if they do.
Encourage students to engage the class with questions and foster discussion about the importance of diversity in STEM fields.
Have the students who are listening complete a graphic organizer with the information they are learning to encourage listening and engagement.
Step 5: Assessment
Evaluate student presentations with a checklist of each area covered, their use of images, and their personal reflections.
Ask students to do a simple peer evaluation for each group member. I’ve created this one as a template for you.
This WebQuest aims to engage students in meaningful research about Black contributions to content areas.
Follow the same pattern with whatever content area you are teaching. Here are a few more websites for other content areas:
Art
Celebrate Black History Month with these Amazing Artists
Math
Celebrating Black Mathematicians
Music
Most Influential Black Musicians
Language Arts