The U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968: A Lesson Plan

Lesson Details

This lesson is designed for high school students studying U.S. history. It will take approximately 90 minutes to complete and will cover the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the history and significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.
• Understand the impact of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968 on American society.
• Can analyze primary sources related to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Methodology

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of lecture, class discussion, and primary source analysis. Students will be provided with a brief lecture on the history and significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968, followed by a class discussion on the impact of the act on American society. Students will then analyze primary sources related to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968, including speeches by President Lyndon B. Johnson and civil rights leaders.

Resources/Materials

• Primary source documents related to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Projector and screen.
• Handouts with primary source documents.

Activities

• Brief lecture on the history and significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.
• Class discussion on the impact of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968 on American society.
• Primary source analysis of speeches by President Lyndon B. Johnson and civil rights leaders.
• Small group discussion on the primary source documents.
• Class discussion on the primary source documents.
• Individual reflection on the significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their participation in class discussion and small group discussion, as well as their analysis of the primary source documents. They will also be required to write a short reflection on the significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1968.