Introduction
In this lesson plan, DC Activists, students will research a local DC activist using reliable sources and write a mock Wikipedia article lead section about their activist. This lesson has been created to align with DCPS' 8th grade English Language Arts-Unheard Voices cornerstone.
Subject: English Language Arts
Grade: 8th
Objective:
Students will research key figures and organizations critical to the fight for DC Statehood in order to create their own mock Wikipedia article’s lead section that highlights a local activist whose story is missing from Wikipedia.
Standard:
W.8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Essential Question:
What is activism and who can be an activist?
What local public figures stories and narratives are waiting to be told?
Resources Needed:
Computers/laptops/tablets
DC Activist presentation
DC Statehood Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon page
Wikimedia DC’s Preparing to Edit: Wikipedia Basics Guide
Procedure:
Ask students to define the terms “activism” and “activist” in their own words. Capture their comments on chart paper or the board. Project the DC Activist presentation using a smartboard and review the terms with students.
After the review of the terms, ask the class if they can name an activist and their cause. Many students may mention names of famous activists. Begin the conversation about local activists and activism: “Do you know of anyone in your community or neighborhood who is an activist?”, or “Do you know of any local causes people in DC are fighting for?” Mention that there are people throughout history who have stood and fought for a cause, but we may never know their names. It is often up to people who know them to try to share their stories. Share the slides on the DC Statehood Party and Josephine Butler.
Review Wikimedia DC's Preparing to Edit: Wikipedia Basics Guide. For the assignment, students will research a local DC activist and create a Wikipedia lead section about them. Students may choose to research an activist from the DC Statehood Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon Specific Sources list or they may choose to write about another notable DC activist of their choosing that does not already have a Wikipedia page.
Extension Activity
Ask students to reflect on the research process and think about the causes they are passionate about. Invite students to brainstorm ways they can take action on a daily basis to create positive change.
Additional Resources
Researching DC Statehood libguide: This DC History Center guide was created with a general audience in mind, providing primary and secondary resources relating to DC statehood. The guide also includes a section dedicated to an actual DC Statehood editathon, with resources relating to specific local activists who either do not have a wikipedia page and/or whose page could use support relating to their DC statehood activism.
DC Declaration of Learning libguide: This DC History Center guide was created to support teachers exploring object-based learning in the classroom. Several examples of local activists and activism are included.