Examining Changes in Data - African Americans' Education Levels Through the Years
Activity Description
Students will analyze and compare census data on the education levels of African-Americans in 1850 and in 1880. Students will also discuss how historical events can affect data.
Suggested Grade Level
7–8
Approximate Time Required
45 minutes
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to compare, analyze, and interpret 1850 and 1880 census data on African- Americans’ education levels before the Civil War and post-Reconstruction.
- Students will be able to write an essay analyzing their findings from the census data.
Materials Required
The student version of this activity, 9 pages
Activity Items
The following items are part of this activity. Items, their sources, and any relevant instructions for viewing them
online appear at the end of this teacher version.
- Attending School in the United States During the Year, as Returned in the Schedule of Population, 1850
- Number of Pupils Attending Public Schools, by Color, 1880
- Adults in the United States Over Twenty Years of Age Who Cannot Read and Write, 1850
- Illiteracy, by States and Territories, 1880
Additional Resources
Teacher Notes
Blooms Taxonomy
Analyzing
Students will analyze education data about African-Americans from the 1850 and 1880 censuses.
Subject
Middle School History
Topics
- Education levels
- Post-Reconstruction
- Pre-Civil War
- Race and ethnicity
Skills Taught
- Analyzing data
- Using data to support conclusions
Page Last Revised - December 16, 2021