Activity Overview
In this activity, students will showcase the significance of several individuals during the Reconstruction Era and their contributions. Students should consider asking "Why is this important?" to guide their research. Students will create a spider map detailing the significance of at least three figures of the Reconstruction Era. Students should be encouraged to create two lists in their research labeled “Nice to Know” and “Need to Know” when they come across details and facts about their researched individuals.
For an alternative assignment or a more in depth look at different major figures, students can create biography posters! This activity encourages further research into a person's life and accomplishments, and can be helpful for understanding how they came to make the decisions that influenced history.
Important Figures of the Reconstruction Era
- Frederick Douglas
- Hiram Rhodes Revels
- Thaddeus Stevens
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Joseph Rainey
- Abraham Lincoln
- Andrew Johnson
- Jefferson Davis
- Sojourner Truth
- Horace Greeley
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Choose three significant individuals from the Reconstruction Era and create a spider map storyboard that details who they are and what they did.
- Select three figures and research their significance and legacy.
- Write the names of each figure in the title boxes.
- Describe who they were and what their impact was in the description boxes.
- Create an visualization of them and perhaps one of their significant moments using scenes, characters, and objects.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least 3 important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than 3 important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will showcase the significance of several individuals during the Reconstruction Era and their contributions. Students should consider asking "Why is this important?" to guide their research. Students will create a spider map detailing the significance of at least three figures of the Reconstruction Era. Students should be encouraged to create two lists in their research labeled “Nice to Know” and “Need to Know” when they come across details and facts about their researched individuals.
For an alternative assignment or a more in depth look at different major figures, students can create biography posters! This activity encourages further research into a person's life and accomplishments, and can be helpful for understanding how they came to make the decisions that influenced history.
Important Figures of the Reconstruction Era
- Frederick Douglas
- Hiram Rhodes Revels
- Thaddeus Stevens
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Joseph Rainey
- Abraham Lincoln
- Andrew Johnson
- Jefferson Davis
- Sojourner Truth
- Horace Greeley
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Choose three significant individuals from the Reconstruction Era and create a spider map storyboard that details who they are and what they did.
- Select three figures and research their significance and legacy.
- Write the names of each figure in the title boxes.
- Describe who they were and what their impact was in the description boxes.
- Create an visualization of them and perhaps one of their significant moments using scenes, characters, and objects.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least 3 important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than 3 important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Leading Figures of the Reconstruction Era
Organize student presentations for maximum engagement
Plan a presentation schedule that allows each student or group to share their spider map or biography poster. Stagger presentations over multiple days if needed to maintain energy and focus. Use a visible schedule so students know when they will present, reducing anxiety and boosting preparedness.
Guide students in asking meaningful research questions
Model how to craft questions that go beyond basic facts, such as “How did this person’s actions shape the Reconstruction Era?” Encourage curiosity by brainstorming possible questions together and posting them in the classroom for reference.
Support students in citing reliable sources
Show students how to identify credible sources like library databases, museum sites, and educational articles. Demonstrate simple citation methods appropriate for their grade level to help them practice academic honesty.
Provide feedback that encourages deeper analysis
Review students’ spider maps and biography posters with specific comments on the depth of their analysis. Ask follow-up questions that prompt students to make connections between individual actions and larger historical changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leading Figures of the Reconstruction Era
Who were the most important figures of the Reconstruction Era?
Key figures of the Reconstruction Era include Frederick Douglass, Hiram Rhodes Revels, Thaddeus Stevens, Ulysses S. Grant, Joseph Rainey, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Jefferson Davis, Sojourner Truth, and Horace Greeley. Each contributed significantly to the era’s changes in civil rights, politics, and society.
What is a spider map in history class, and how do you use it?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize information about a central topic. In history class, you use it by placing the main idea (like a historical figure) in the center and branching out to show their accomplishments, significance, and key facts.
How can students research major figures from the Reconstruction Era effectively?
Students can research major Reconstruction Era figures by creating "Need to Know" and "Nice to Know" lists, using reliable sources, and focusing on each person’s background, achievements, and impact on history.
What are some creative ways to present research about Reconstruction Era leaders?
Creative ways include making spider map storyboards, designing biography posters, or creating visualizations of key moments from each leader’s life using drawings or digital tools.
Why is it important for students to study individual leaders during Reconstruction?
Studying individual leaders helps students understand how personal actions and decisions shaped the course of the Reconstruction Era, providing deeper insight into the era’s challenges and achievements.
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