Black History Research

With Black History as the focal point of our Social Studies integration to our ELA nonfiction unit, students have been exploring the lives of impactful Black historical figures and doing so in meaningful, creative, and tech-savvy ways.

We began the unit by introducing students to a wide range of influential Black leaders, thinkers, and artists. After this initial exploration, each student selected one figure to study more deeply. To ensure a broad range of stories and perspectives, no two students could research the same person.

One of the most exciting parts of this unit has been the use of SchoolAI’s chatbot. Students engaged in conversations with chatbots that acted as if they were the historical figures themselves. These interactions helped students build background knowledge and spark curiosity. But we didn’t stop there. Students were then tasked with verifying the chatbot information and conducting deeper research using reliable sources to build a more accurate picture of their chosen person.

With their research complete, students selected a digital platform to share everything they learned. The choices and creativity have been incredible! Projects include interactive timelines, digital magazine articles, e-books, podcast-style interviews, and even virtual museum exhibits. These products reflect not only what students have learned, but how they’ve chosen to express that learning in unique, student-driven ways.

Students are now in the final stages of preparing their digital projects, and next week, they’ll present their work to their classmates. This will give everyone the chance to explore a variety of historical figures and celebrate the power of nonfiction reading and research.