FEB18 BObama

1

Social Studies

Student Facing
February 25, 2025

Unit 5: Texan Trails: Navigating History's
Footprints
Lesson 1

MRS Icons

2

Materials

Social Studies

Student:

● Obama’s Important Actions: HOMEWORK

● response card

4

The Significance of Black History Month

This learning objective for today’s lesson, where students identify important individuals who have participated voluntarily in civic
affairs at state and local levels, aligns with Black History Month by highlighting individuals who have taken a stand againstinjustice

and promoted civic responsibility. Students can explore the efforts of local and state leaders who have worked to dismantle

systemic racism, advocate for civil rights, and build a more equitable society.

It emphasizes the importance of fostering respect, understanding, and justice in our communities. As
educators, we have the opportunity to teach students not only about historical events but also about

their relevance today, encouraging them to take action against injustice and work toward a more

inclusive and equitable world.

We will read and make posterboards for the speech “I Have

A Dream” buy Marting Luther King Jr. on Feb. 21st.

5

LO: SWBAT identify the importance of historical
figures and important individuals who modeled
active participation in the democratic process.

DOL: SW identify the importance of historical
figures and important individuals who modeled
active participation in the democratic process in at
least 1 of 2 questions.

SST.4.15D Identify the importance of historical figures and important individuals who modeled active participation in the democratic process such as

Sam Houston, Barbara Jordan, Lorenzo de Zavala, Ann Richards, Henry B. González, Wallace Jefferson, and other local individuals.

Texan Trails

Turn and Talk

What historical figure do you admire? Explain.

6

Lesson Vocabulary: president, recession, civic engagement

___________

________________

_____ ____________

noun

noun

noun

The elected leader of the United
States.

A time when many people lose
jobs and businesses struggle.

Taking part in activities to help
the community and government.

7

Lesson Vocabulary

president

recession

civic engagement

noun

noun

noun

The elected leader of the United
States.

A time when many people lose
jobs and businesses struggle.

Taking part in activities to help
the community and government.

8

No Place For Hate:

Why is inclusion of all races
helpful in making a difference in
peoples lives?

Inclusion is important because…

Word Bank

inspire

change

responsibility

9

What is Black History Month?

Month-long
celebration in

1976

Celebrated

Dr. Carter G.

Woodson

Achievements,

culture, and
contributions

10

Modern Day Heroes

Amanda Gorman

Mae Jemison

Barack Obama

44th President

1stpresident

1stpresident

2ndpresident

2ndpresident

16thpresident

16thpresident

44th President

Barack Obama

● First Black President of the United States

● Served from 2009 to 2017

● Born in Hawaii in 1961

● Worked as a community organizer helping people

● Became a lawyer and teacher

● Started in local politics in Illinois

Which accomplishment is the most important to you? Why?
One important contribution of Barack Obama is____ because…

_________________________

● First Black President of the United States

● Served from 2009 to 2017

● Born in Hawaii in 1961

● Worked as a community organizer helping people

● Became a lawyer and teacher

● Started in local politics in Illinois

Which accomplishment is the most important to you? Why?
One important contribution of Barack Obama is____ because…

Obama's Journey to Leadership

● Studied hard in school

● Went to college and law school

● Helped communities in Chicago

● Became an Illinois State Senator

● Elected as U.S. Senator

● Won presidential election in 2008

Obama’s ________ to ___________

● Studied hard in school

● Went to college and law school

● Helped communities in Chicago

● Became an Illinois State Senator

● Elected as U.S. Senator

● Won presidential election in 2008

Making History
● First Black President in U.S. history

● Showed that anyone can achieve their

dreams

● Inspired many young people

● Proved the importance of voting

● Demonstrated that change is possible

● Encouraged others to participate in

democracy

Making History
● First Black President in U.S. history

● Showed that “anyone can achieve their

dreams”

● Inspired many young people

● Proved the importance of voting
● Demonstrated that “change is possible”

● Encouraged others to participate in

democracy

______________________________

● Helped more people get healthcare

● Worked to protect the environment

● Supported education

● Helped save jobs during tough times

● Listened to different viewpoints

● Encouraged unity among Americans

Which accomplishment was the most important to you? Why?
One important contribution of Barack Obama was ____ because…

_________________________

● Helped more people get healthcare

● Worked to protect the environment

● Supported education

● Helped save jobs during tough times

● Listened to different viewpoints

● Encouraged unity among Americans

Which accomplishment was the most important to you? Why?
One important contribution of Barack Obama was ____ because…

Obama's Important Actions

● Helped more people get healthcare

● Worked to protect the environment

● Supported education

● Helped save jobs during tough times

● Listened to different viewpoints

● Encouraged unity among Americans

Which accomplishment was the most important to you? Why?
One important contribution of Barack Obama was ____ because…

29

Activity: Obama's Leadership in Action

Rank and Justify
● Each group gets a list of Obama’s important actions.
● Groups discuss and rank the actions from most to least

impactful

We believe Obama's most important action was _____
because ______. This impacted the U.S. by _____.

Obama’s Important Actions

1. Helped More People Get Healthcare – Expanded health coverage

through the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare").

2. Worked to Protect the Environment – Supported clean energy and

signed international climate agreements.

3. Supported Education – Increased school funding, expanded college

financial aid, and promoted STEM programs.

4. Helped Save Jobs During Tough Times – Led economic recovery efforts

and saved the auto industry during the Great Recession.

5. Listened to Different Viewpoints – Encouraged discussions across

political and social groups.

6. Encouraged Unity Among Americans – Promoted messages of hope,

cooperation, and inclusion.

Open Ended

Based on all the text evidence what can you infer about Barack Obama?

I can infer ....

31

How did Barack Obama’s
leadership create change in the
United States? Explain

Barack Obama created change
by____. This was important
because...

Word Bank

change

inspire

equality