Lessons on Women's History & Activism
Get your students learning and talking about women making change, from Ella Baker to #MeToo to Aretha Franklin.
Honoring Women’s History Month and Intersectionality
This lesson provides space for students to engage with the concept of intersectionality, and honor special women.
The Suffragists: Honoring Monumental Women
Through guiding questions and inquiry, students collectively gain an understanding of a new monument, the artwork, the artist’s intentions, and some of the history influencing the work. The activity encourages students to honor the women who came before us and those who continue to take action toward a more just society.
Celebrating Ella Baker and Her “Group-Centered Leadership”
Ella Baker, who helped build many of the most important organizations of the civil rights movement, defied traditional gender roles. She deprioritized charismatic leadership from above and instead empowered people to take charge of their own struggles for freedom.
What is Feminism?
Students hear multiple voices about what feminism is, who is a feminist, and the evolution of feminism - and share their own thoughts and feelings about it.
Women, Life, Freedom: Exploring Protests in Iran
Students learn about the demonstrations that have spread across Iran demanding women's rights and discuss how they relate to what is happening in other parts of the world, including the U.S.
New High Court Nominee: Ketanji Brown Jackson
Judge Jackson may become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. Students explore the confirmation process, Jackson's background, and diversity on the court.
Considering Women’s Leadership
Students learn about Women's History Month and International Women's Day, consider people who have had an impact on them and what makes a leader, and learn about some women who have made a difference in the world.
Words of Women Activists
Through a quiz and discussion, students consider quotes by women activists, from Helen Keller to Aretha Franklin.
Respect: Aretha’s Anthem & What Respect Means in the Classroom
Students discuss Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," listen to her recording of the song "Respect," and consider how to ensure that everyone is respected in the classroom.
#MeToo: It's About Power
Through tweets, readings, and small-group discussion, students grapple with the #MeToo movement, and how it relates to the power -or lack of power - of women.
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai: Shaking the Tree
Students think about women they admire, learn about African leader Maathai, and discuss the Peter Gabriel song Shaking the Tree.
Francis Perkins: Our First Woman Cabinet Member was Amazing
In this brief activity, students learn about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and about Perkins, who would not agree to become FDR's secretary of labor until he met nine bold demands.
3 Civil Rights Activists Who Changed History
Through reading, discussion, and small group activities, students learn about three relatively unknown women in the civil rights movement: Diane Nash, Virginia Durr, and Claudette Colvin
Personal Is Political
This brief activity marks Women's History Month by exploring a key phrase in the women's movement during the 1960s and 70s
Malala: Standing Up for Girls
Students learn about Pakistan and about Malala's campaign for the education of girls, which made her the target of a Taliban assassination attempt in October 2012. The lesson has students read and discuss Malala's blog from her earlier days in Pakistan.