Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Grade Level: 8-12 (adaptable)

Time Allotment: 2 Class Periods (60 minutes each)

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to explain the historical context of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
Students will understand the legal arguments presented in the case.
Students will be able to analyze the Supreme Court's decision and its impact on American society.
Students will be able to discuss the concept of "separate but equal" and its inherent flaws.

Materials:

Whiteboard or projector
Markers/pens
Chart paper
Primary source excerpts from Plessy v. Ferguson case (optional)
Images depicting segregation (optional)
Short video clip about Jim Crow laws (optional)
Handout with key terms (segregation, Jim Crow laws, 14th Amendment, "separate but equal")

Lesson Procedures:

Day 1: Setting the Stage (60 minutes)

Hook (10 minutes): Begin with a brainstorming session. Ask students what they know about segregation in the United States.
Historical Context (20 minutes): Provide a brief overview of Reconstruction after the Civil War and the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South. Discuss the 14th Amendment and its promise of equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Introducing Plessy v. Ferguson (10 minutes): Introduce the case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) Explain that this was a landmark Supreme Court case that challenged segregation laws.
The Case and Legal Arguments (20 minutes): Divide the class into two groups. One group will represent Homer Plessy and his argument against segregation. The other group will represent the state of Louisiana and defend the concept of "separate but equal." Students can research their assigned arguments beforehand or use class time to brainstorm key points. Each group will then present their arguments to the class. (Optional) You can distribute primary source excerpts from the case for closer analysis.

Day 2: The Decision and Its Legacy (60 minutes)

The Supreme Court's Decision (10 minutes): Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (7-1 in favor of Louisiana). Discuss the concept of "separate but equal" and its implications.
Analyzing the Decision (20 minutes): Facilitate a class discussion about the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. Was it a just decision? How did it violate the promises of the 14th Amendment? (Optional) Show images depicting segregation to spark discussion about the reality of "separate but equal" facilities.
Impact and Legacy (20 minutes): Discuss the long-term impact of Plessy v. Ferguson. How did it shape segregation laws in the United States? (Optional) Show a short video clip about Jim Crow laws to illustrate the negative consequences of the decision.
Looking Ahead (10 minutes): Conclude by discussing the eventual dismantling of Jim Crow laws through the Civil Rights Movement and landmark Supreme Court cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

Assessment:

Participation in class discussions and group activities
Short writing assignment analyzing the Plessy v. Ferguson decision and its impact
Analysis of primary source excerpts (optional)

Differentiation:

Provide scaffolding and support for students who struggle with reading by offering excerpts with annotations or simpler language.
Offer extension activities for advanced students, such as researching specific Supreme Court justices involved in the case or comparing Plessy v. Ferguson to other landmark civil rights cases.

Extension Activities:

Have students research the life of Homer Plessy and his motivations for challenging segregation.
Students can create a timeline that depicts the rise and fall of Jim Crow laws in the United States.
Hold a mock debate about the merits of the Plessy v. Ferguson decision.

This lesson plan provides a framework for a comprehensive exploration of Plessy v. Ferguson. By engaging in discussions, activities, and analysis, students will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal case and its lasting impact on American history.