Last updated: June 9, 2026
Lesson Plan
Cast Down Your Bucket
Booker T. Washington sitting at his desk in his office at Tuskegee Institute, 1894.
Public domain
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Science,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- • Grade 6: Science – 6.4, 6.6. 6.8, English DSR.1 RI.1 W.1, History – Skills USII, USII.2, USII.3, USII.5.
• Grade 7: Life Science – LS.4 LS.5, LS.8, English – DSR.1RI.1 W.1.
• Grade 8: Physical Science – PS.5, English – DSR.1 RI.1 W.1. - Thinking Skills:
- Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts.
Essential Question
How can education, economic self-reliance, and entrepreneurship be used to achieve equality and navigate the challenges of American ideals?
Objective
Students examine the conditions in the Southern United States from the end of the Civil War through the early twentieth century, focusing on African Americans' struggle for voting rights. Through analysis and discussion of the post-Reconstruction South, students learn how perseverance and determination contributed to national change.
Preparation
Teachers don’t need to prepare anything before the lesson. All supplies and materials will be ready for you at the site.
Materials
Procedure
Program Length: 1 hour.
Parking: Space for up to four busses is available at the visitor center.
Additional Amenities: Accessible restrooms and an outdoor picnic area with eleven benches.