An American Hero
Social Studies Event
Grades 10-12
by
John Tucker
Lindell Coleman
David Hager
MAP Class 7 Senior Leaders
South Central Regional MAP Center
37-1
An American Hero
Purpose: This event can be used as a culminating activity
after studying the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. It requires students to use prior knowledge
to make a persuasive speech.
Show-Me Standards Addressed:
Knowledge: SS3
Performance: 2.1, 4.1
Grade Level Range: 9--12
Subject Area: Social Studies
Time Needed for Task: one 45-50 minute class period to
prepare and 5 minutes to present.
Materials Needed: Event Packet (which includes the student prompt and scoring guides) and a pencil.
Instructions for Administration: Present students with the
Event Packet and make sure they understand what they are
to do. Go over the scoring guide so students know what a
quality product involves.
Pre-Assessment Instructions: Students will need to have
prior knowledge: of the civil rights movement and how to
make a persuasive speech. The students will be required to
complete a graphic organizer to organize their thoughts prior
to making their speech.
37-2
An American Hero
Performance Event
Given your knowledge of the civil rights
movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
role in the movement, prepare and deliver a
three minute speech convincing your audience
that the success of the civil rights movement
could not have happened without Dr. King’s
leadership. Be sure to include specific details
and examples to support the claim. You should
create a graphic organizer to help organize
your thoughts prior to giving your speech.
I have a dream.....
37-3
Response Sheet # 1
Create a graphic organizer to organize your thoughts prior to giving your speech.
37-4
Response Sheet # 2
Use the information from your graphic organizer to plan your speech.
Reproduce as needed.
37-5
An American Hero
Scoring Guide
Knowledge of content (SS 3)
The student:
3
Demonstrates an accurate understanding of the civil rights movement and
Dr.King’s impact on the movement.
2
Demonstrates a partial, incomplete understanding.
1
Demonstrates little or no understanding.
Reasoning to Support the Claim (4.1)
4
The student has provided 4 reasons to support the claim.
3
The student has provided 3 reasons to support the claim.
2
The student has provided 2 reasons to support the claim.
1
The student has provided 1 reason to support the claim.
Oral Communication ( 2.1)
The presentation:
4
Clearly and vividly communicates its intended purpose and is appropriate
for the audience.
3
Communicates its intended purpose and is appropriate for the audience.
2
May be difficult to understand and may or may not be appropriate for the
audience.
1
Is difficult or impossible to understand.
37-6