Lesson Plans
Oregon Black Pioneers is committed to making its research materials available to classrooms. We believe that students gain a better appreciation of Oregon’s history when they have the opportunity to learn about the unique experiences of Black Americans in Oregon.
Below are lesson plans developed by Oregon Black Pioneers and its education partners. Each includes a Teacher Guide, daily lessons, and activities. These multi-day lessons are designed to align with Oregon Social Studies standards and Ethnic Studies standards.
All lessons are free! Complete the Lesson Plan Request Form to receive the lesson(s) of your choice via email.
Elementary School
Black Pioneers on the Oregon Trail
A Collaboration Between the Oregon Black Pioneers and The Arbor School of Arts and Sciences
Written by Lauren Kristensen, Arbor Center for Teaching and Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers
In this Lesson Plan:
Day 1 – Setting the Scene
Day 2 – Using Primary Sources
Day 3 – Oregon Exclusion Laws
Day 4 – Effects of Oregon Exclusion Laws
The Letitia Carson Story
Written by Sarah MacPherson, Sacramento Elementary, with Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers, and Dr. Bob Zybach, Oregon Websites & Watersheds Project, Inc.
In this Lesson Plan:
Day 1 – Picturing the Willamette Valley, 1840s
Day 2 – Letitia Travels to Oregon
Day 3 – Black Exclusion
Day 4 – David Carson’s Death
Day 5 – Letitia v. Greenberry Smith
Day 6 – Letitia’s Homestead
Day 7 – Then and Now
Middle School
Black Explorers in Oregon
A Collaboration Between the Oregon Black Pioneers and Salem-Keizer School District
Written by Dean Wright, Judson Middle School and Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers
In This Lesson Plan:
Day 1 – Introduction to Black Explorers
Day 2 – York
Day 3 – Moses “Black” Harris
Day 4 – Intro to Instagram Assignment
Day 5 – Instagram Assignment
Oregon’s Black Exclusion Era
A Collaboration Between the Oregon Black Pioneers and Salem-Keizer School District
Written by Dean Wright, Judson Middle School and Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers
In this Lesson Plan:
Day 1 – Anti-Black Laws in Oregon
Day 2 – 1844 Black Exclusion Act
Day 3 – 1849 Black Exclusion Act
Day 4 – Oregon Constitution
Day 5 – Cause and Effect
High School
Oregon’s Black History
A Collaboration Between the Oregon Black Pioneers and Salem-Keizer School District
Written by Lynsey Turner, North Salem High School and Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers
In this Lesson Plan:
Day 1 – Black Explorers and Trailblazers
Day 2 – Perseverance
Day 3 – Moving to Oregon
Day 4 – Civil Rights in Oregon
Day 5 – Progress
