Grades 7 - 12 Lessons

Though We Stood Up’s primary audience is children in grades K-8, Lincoln’s Legacy curriculum includes lesson plans for junior high and high school instruction, all written by teachers.

The Lincoln Financial Foundation created this civil rights curriculum for junior high and high school students before producing We Stood Up. The Lincoln’s Legacy curriculum fits perfectly with the essence and goals of We Stood Up, so these lessons give older youth a chance to learn about civil rights. 

Built around oral histories, each lesson serves as a case study for important topics in American history. By sharing these stories in the classroom, we hope students will reflect on the past and be inspired by the impact one person can have on their families and communities. The curriculum design maximizes student interest and ease of use. Each plan is print-friendly and includes all the materials you need — reproductions, handouts, activities, suggested strategies, standards information, and additional online resources.

The Emancipation Proclamation

Although we know the Emancipation Proclamation to be President Lincoln’s great call for freedom, much is misunderstood about it. This lesson is designed to allow your class to examine the Emancipation Proclamation, looking at why Lincoln issued it, what it said and did, and why it was unpopular with many people. You will also draw conclusions about Lincoln’s presidential leadership and legacy.

The Emancipation Proclamation overview (PDF)

The Emancipation Proclamation presentation (PDF)

The Emancipation Proclamation activities (PDF)

The Emancipation Proclamation document (PDF)

The Immigrant Experience

Everyone who has come to America has their own unique and interesting story. Featuring oral histories from influential leaders such as Fernando Aguirre, former CEO of Chiquita Brands, the following lesson immerses students in the experiences of immigrants to the United States over the past 200 years. Students will make connections to current immigration issues and document the stories of immigrants in their families and communities.

The immigrant experience overview (PDF)

The immigrant experience lesson presentation (PDF)

The immigrant experience learning activities (PDF)

The Greensboro Four

On February 1, 1960, four students from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina decided to take action for change. For years, they had been frustrated by the segregation and discrimination in the South. In this lesson, students will hear the inspirational story of the Greensboro Four and apply their strategies to modern examples of perceived injustice.

The Greensboro Four overview (PDF)

The Greensboro Four lesson presentation (PDF)

The Greensboro Four learning activities (PDF)

Defenders of Freedom

Millions of men and women have served proudly in the U.S. military for over 240 years. In this lesson, students will be immersed in the experiences of the American soldier. What is it like to be a defender of freedom?  Why do they do it? What has it meant to this country? Through video clips and primary sources, students will explore these questions and more.

Defenders of Freedom overview (PDF)

Defenders of Freedom lesson presentation (PDF)

Defenders of Freedom learning activities (PDF)

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