12 of 22 results for "Black History Month"
Kahoot
Kahoot!: Stokely Carmichael

Explore the life and influence of Stokely Carmichael, a powerful voice in the shift from the Civil Rights Movement to the rise of the Black Power Movement. Students will learn how Carmichael challenged ideas about race, identity, equality, and political activism during a time of major change in the United States.

This Kahoot examines Carmichael’s role in student activism, voting rights campaigns, and the growing call for Black pride, self-determination, and social change during the 1960s and beyond. Students will build listening skills, expand vocabulary, and deepen their historical understanding while exploring how protest movements evolve and how leaders can influence public debate and culture.

Ideal for lessons on history, civil rights, culture, and social movements, this Kahoot encourages Grade 6–12 students to think critically about resistance, identity, and the continuing impact of activism today.

Kahoot
Kahoot!: Nelson Mandela

Follow the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, from his early fight against apartheid to his role in leading South Africa into a new era of democracy and reconciliation. Students will explore how Mandela stood up against injustice, endured years of imprisonment, and helped unite a divided nation through courage, perseverance, and forgiveness.

This Kahoot examines key moments in Mandela’s journey, including the struggle against apartheid, his 27 years in prison, his release in 1990, and his election as South Africa’s first Black president. Students will discover how his leadership, resilience, and commitment to equality continue to influence Black history and inspire people around the world today.

Watch the related BBC videos, The Remarkable Life of Nelson Mandela and Nelson Mandela Walks Free, then invite your Grade 6–12 students to test their knowledge and deepen their understanding of this iconic global leader.

Kahoot
Kahoot!: Billie Holiday

Discover the powerful story and lasting influence of Billie Holiday, one of the most important voices in American music history. Students will explore how her unforgettable style, emotional performances, and groundbreaking songs helped shape jazz culture while shining a light on the realities of segregation and racism in the United States.

This Kahoot examines Holiday’s life and music, including the rise of jazz clubs during the Harlem Renaissance, the challenges Black performers faced during segregation, and the impact of her famous protest song, "Strange Fruit." Students will build listening skills, expand vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of how music can inspire awareness, emotion, and social change.

Watch the related BBC videos (for mature viewers), Billie Holiday, a Voice Against Injustice and Billie Holiday and Strange Fruit, then invite your Grade 9–12 students to test their knowledge and explore the powerful connection between music, history, and culture.

Printable
Ready-to-Go Mini Biography Template

This mini biography template is a flexible, engaging tool designed to help students in Grades 3–8 explore the lives of important historical figures. With sections like Best Known For, Important Life Events, Challenges and Obstacles, Memorable Quote, and Legacy and Achievements, students are guided to think beyond basic facts and develop a deeper understanding of a person’s impact. 

This template can be used with any historical figure and pairs especially well with video-based research. Encourage students to explore our BBC video library to gather key details, hear stories in context, and build stronger connections to the people they’re studying.

Here are a few ways you can use this template in your classroom:

  • Celebrate special months: Have students research and complete biographies for influential figures during observances like Women’s History Month or Black History Month.
  • Scientist spotlights: Use the template to profile important scientists, inventors, or innovators throughout history.
  • “Living museum” projects: Have students complete the template, then present their figure in a short first-person speech or display as part of a classroom museum exhibit.
Playlist
U.S. Presidents Playlist

Meet the Leaders Who Shaped a Nation.

They were visionaries and leaders, but they were also imperfect people shaped by their times. From bold founders and wartime decision-makers to reformers and risk-takers, these U.S. presidents guided the nation through moments of hope, conflict, and change.

In this video playlist, explore BBC clips featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and others, examining both their achievements and their shortcomings. A thoughtful playlist that encourages students to see history with nuance, question leadership, and understand that progress is often driven by complicated people making difficult choices.

Video
Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation

In Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, learn how President Abraham Lincoln issued a bold declaration during the third year of the Civil War that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories were to be free. While limited in immediate effect, the proclamation allowed Black men to join the Union Army and became one of the greatest documents of human freedom in U.S. history.

Video
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Story in Song

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Story in Song introduces students to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through music, humor, and powerful historical images. Told as a song, the video shares key moments from Dr. King’s life and his leadership in the fight for equality in a way that is clear, memorable, and engaging for students.

Excerpted from BBC’s Horrible Histories — a multi-award-winning musical and sketch comedy series — this short video uses a familiar, student-friendly format to help make an important part of U.S. history easier to understand. The combination of lyrics, visuals, and real moments from the era helps students connect with the ideas of fairness, courage, and peaceful protest.

At just two and a half minutes, this video is ideal for classrooms. Use it as a quick introduction to Martin Luther King Jr., a lively entry point into the Civil Rights Movement, or a meaningful way to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It works well as a lesson opener, a review tool, or a discussion starter about how people have worked together to create change in a democracy.

Playlist
Icons of the 20th Century Video Playlist

Meet the Icons of the 20th Century. From brilliant scientists and inspiring activists to legendary athletes and artists, these remarkable individuals changed the world in powerful ways. In this video playlist of clips from BBC's Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, meet Muhammad Ali, Helen Keller, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Pablo Picasso, Jane Goodall, Pelé, Billie Holiday and others — each a trailblazer who shaped history through courage, creativity, and conviction. A perfect playlist to inspire young minds to think big and act boldly!

Kahoot
Kahoot!: Pelé

Explore the incredible life and global influence of Pelé, from his rise as a young football star in Brazil to his unforgettable World Cup victories and worldwide fame. Students will discover how Pelé’s extraordinary skill, creativity, and sportsmanship helped transform football into the world’s most popular sport.

This Kahoot examines key moments in Pelé’s career, including his record-breaking achievements, his role in Brazil’s World Cup success, and his impact on the international growth of the game. Students will build listening skills, vocabulary, and historical awareness while exploring how Pelé influenced culture, identity, and the global popularity of football across generations.

Watch the related BBC videos, Pelé's Pledge to His Father and How Pelé Brought Soccer to the U.S., then invite your Grade 6–12 students to test their knowledge and explore the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

Kahoot
Kahoot!: Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, from his rise as a boxing champion to his inspiring comeback and lasting global influence. Students will follow Ali’s journey through triumph, controversy, and perseverance as he fought to regain the heavyweight title and became one of the most recognized athletes in history.

This Kahoot examines key moments in Ali’s story, including the court case that temporarily cost him his boxing license and championship, his dramatic return to the ring, and the determination that defined his later years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Students will build listening skills, vocabulary, and historical awareness while exploring how Ali’s courage, confidence, and resilience inspired millions around the world.

Watch the related BBC videos, Cassius Clay Becomes Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Ali's Comeback, then invite your Grade 6–12 students to test their knowledge and discover why Muhammad Ali remains a global symbol of strength, perseverance, and conviction.

Printable
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr., Printable Activities for Grades 3-8

This set of Martin Luther King Jr. worksheets contains two versions, so you can use the version that's closest to the grade level you teach or use both based on the individual reading levels of the students in your class. Here's what you'll find:

  • Reading Passage: "Martin Luther King Jr.: A Man With a Dream," covering that life and legacy of MLK.
    • Version A: Grades 3-5, Lexile Level 700-900L
    • Version B: Grades 6-8, Lexile Level 850-1000L
  • Glossary: Grade-level appropriate vocabulary and definitions to help students better understand the passage.
  • Worksheets: KWL, timeline, and reflection (Version A); important events chart, Venn diagram, "Iconic Influences" response (Version B). 

These activities pair with the following videos:

  1. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Story in Song
  2. Martin Luther King: Who is He and Why Was He So Important? | Newsround
  3. Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Icon
Video
Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance

In Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance, explore the life and work of writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, from her Alabama childhood to her studies of African American folklore and culture. Though she died in obscurity, her legacy was revived by Alice Walker, restoring her place as a key figure in literature and the Harlem Renaissance.