In this activity, students will engage in a research project and teach a lesson about one historical figure from Alexander’s poem.

Alexander includes many historical figures in his poem. Some, like Martin Luther King, might be a figure you recognize, but others, like Zora Neale Hurston, might not be.

Choose a figure you would like to learn more about. Use scholarly resources to research this figure. Your research should include major events in the person’s life, accomplishments, struggles, and their importance in the history of America.

After researching, present your findings to the class in the form of a micro lesson.

• Prepare a 2–3-minute presentation of information you have learned. A spoken presentation is a good method for teaching classmates who enjoy learning by hearing, but you might want to include slides or a visual aid for classmates who enjoy learning by seeing.
• Plan an activity for your classmates so that they can utilize the information you have presented to them. Think about the accomplishments and talents of the figure you researched in designing your activity. For example, if your lesson is on a poet, you might have your classmates read and discuss a poem by that figure.
• Present your lesson to classmates. Be sure to participate in each lesson presented by others.