Each February, we honor Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, as a time to reflect on and celebrate the lasting contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history and culture. This month offers a meaningful opportunity to spotlight notable Black figures, movements, innovations, and achievements. At the same time, the study of Black history should extend far beyond a single month and remain an essential part of learning all year long as it is part of American history. To support this ongoing learning, we’ve created engaging activities that encourage students to explore the stories, perspectives, and milestones that continue to shape our society.
Black History Month ideas for school
Students can engage in crafts, learn about significant figures in Black history, and celebrate Black History Month with these activities for elementary and middle school.
1. Pen a persuasive essay for a new stamp design
A single stamp can become a powerful tribute. The U.S. Postal Service highlights notable Black Americans in their Black History stamp series. Use this existing collection as a springboard for a persuasive writing assignment in which students propose a new commemorative stamp honoring an influential Black figure of their choice.
In their essays, students should clearly identify their chosen honoree, detail key accomplishments, and explain the broader impact of that person’s work. Students might want to highlight Katherine Johnson's contribution to science and space exploration or Stevie Wonder's legacy in music. Consider using these steps to teach students how to write an effective persuasive argument. After drafting their essays, encourage students to design a corresponding stamp, either digitally or by hand. Students can later share their essays and stamp artwork to the whole class.
Additionally, students can submit their proposal to the U.S. Postal Service, as they welcome public suggestions for stamp subjects that "celebrate the American experience." Check out the USPS website for the criteria for selecting a stamp subject and the process for submitting a proposal.
2. Create an encyclopedia of Black leaders
Ask students to create a mini biographical encyclopedia featuring Black leaders throughout U.S. history. Students can select three to five leaders whose contributions they believe have had a great impact. For each encyclopedia entry, students should explain the individuals' accomplishments and why their work deserves to be recognized.
Encourage students to write about leaders from many different fields, for example political leaders, like Barrack Obama or Thurgood Marshall; scientists, like Katherine Johnson or Dr. Charles Drew; or literary figures, like James Baldwin or Zora Neal Hurston.
As students work on their entries, they can examine the historical context surrounding each figure, events they influenced, and their legacy. This project also provides an opportunity to teach essential research skills, including finding credible sources, creating citing evidence, and compiling a bibliography. Once complete, students can exchange their final Black History Month projects for peer review or present their encyclopedias to the whole class.
3. Explore famous Black scientists in history
If you're looking to explore famous Black scientists in history, you can download these posters, hang them in your classroom or distribute them to your students. This activity can take a lot of different forms. You may simply have a classroom discussion about the legacies of each of these scientists, or you can encourage your students to dig further and create their own list of famous Black scientists. Students might even focus on influential Black innovators in specific scientific fields, such as chemistry or mathematics. Your students can write about these individuals' lives, accomplishments, and continued legacy today, and perhaps create their own posters to hang on a bulletin board.
4. Conduct experiments inspired by the works of Black scientists
Get hands on and further explore the extraordinary works of famous Black scientists, inventors, and mathematicians by conducting experiments inspired by their work. Find a collection of Black History Month science activities and experiments that touch on earth and space sciences, agriculture, biology, and more, so students can study space like Dr. Mae Jemison, or nurture plants like George Washington Carver.
5. Review the timeline of the civil rights movement
As the civil rights movement progressed over several decades, many key events helped to shape the outcome. For this activity, explain that civil rights are written and unwritten rights provided to anyone who is a U.S. citizen or who belongs to a civil society. A movement includes activities undertaken by a group of people to achieve change. Then, distribute the timeline activity and have your students fill in details about nine key events of the civil rights movement based on their research. Once complete, your students should cut out each event; place them in chronological order; and glue, paste, or tape them to a piece of paper. Encourage them to add a title to their timeline before sharing it with the class.
6. Do a crossword puzzle on civil rights
Have your students test their knowledge of Black history with this downloadable crossword puzzle, including an answer key for teachers. Topics covered include slavery in the United States, civil rights protests, key figures, and relevant holidays. This is particularly well suited for students in Grades 4–8.
7. Test students' knowledge with our Black History Month quiz
Have students explore Black history with this short multiple choice quiz. A teacher answer key is also included. You can have students hand this in for a grade, or have them work in teams and see which group answers the most questions correctly.
8. Complete a word search
Download this word search for students that includes the names of influential figures, key events, and terms related to Black history. Once students find all the words listed, have them write a short description or definition of each term. The specifics are up to you as to what they need to include in their writing.
9. Read books about Black history
There are many books you can read about Black history that honor both the resilience and remarkable achievements of Black Americans. One example is The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. (Note that this is a potential text you can use, but always check with your school or district for recommended resources.) The book received the 2020 Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and Alexander also earned a Newbery Honor for his work.
This beautifully crafted picture book poem celebrates the contributions and cultural impact of Black Americans throughout history. It honors notable figures in the arts, athletics, and the civil rights movement while recognizing the collective strength of generations past and present. Written for young readers, the book approaches historical moments with honesty while centering resilience, hope, and achievement.
10. Showcase Black history in your school’s halls
Work with your school’s leadership team to organize a school-wide Black History Month door decorating or bulletin board decorating contest. Each class can showcase significant moments, figures, and accomplishments in Black history, for example the Harlem Renaissance, the Tuskegee Airmen, or the work of the Freedom Riders. Find inspiration for Black History Month bulletin board ideas and Black History Month classroom door decoration ideas on Shaped.
11. Create a quote gallery with words from notable Black figures
Display quotes from notable Black figures in your classroom and engage students in a quote gallery walk. On chart paper, write or print quotes from famous Black leaders or notable figures. Use these Black History Month quotes for students for the gallery walk. Alongside the quote, include the person’s name, title, and brief biography. Post the quotes around the room. Place students in small groups and have them explore each quote. As groups stop at a quote, ask students to discuss with each other what the quote means to them. Then have them use a marker to jot down their thoughts and reflections on the chart paper. Afterwards, lead a class discussion about the powerful words the class just read. Extend this activity by having students choose their favorite quote displayed and complete a quote discussion chart.
12. Host a poetry reading and recite poems from Black poets
Explore the powerful work of Black poets from the past, such as Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, and present, like Amanda Gorman and Danez Smith. Then, as students analyze selected poems, introduce them to the art of spoken word and poetry performance by hosting a class poetry reading.
Begin by showing students videos of Black poets performing their works, so students can observe the change of tone, inflection, and body language when poems are read aloud. Then have students choose a poem penned by a Black author that they will share during the class poetry reading. Give students the time to practice reciting their poems aloud in small groups. Alternatively, students can write their own poems modeled by a Black poet’s work.
On the day of the event, you can convert your classroom into a poetry café. If possible, invite caregivers or guardians to watch the performances. After their reading, students can share fun facts about the poet, why they chose the poem they did, and what resonated with them.
13. Transform your classroom into a Black history museum
Bring the museum into your classroom with this Black History Month activity. Ask students to research notable Black figures or key events in Black history. Students will then create posters based on their research. Display students’ work throughout the classroom, organizing the posters into exhibits, such as science, history, art, and literature, to transform your classroom into a Black history museum. If possible, chose a date and invite other classes and guardians or caregivers to a museum showing of your class’s Black history exhibits. Students can present the information on their posters to guests as museum guides and educators.
Share your Black History Month projects and activities
Have any fun Black History Month activity ideas for school? Share them with us at Shaped@hmhco.com.
We hope these Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school students provide you with plenty of ideas for honoring the achievements of Black people and shed light on the triumphs and tragedies that they have faced in the United States.
For more ways to celebrate Black History Month with your students, check out:
- A Rosa Parks Lesson Plan: Teaching About Her Legacy
- Martin Luther King Jr. Discussion Questions: Reflecting on His Legacy
- 8 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Project Ideas and Activities for the Classroom
Discover more lesson plans and classroom resources on Shaped.
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This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
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