- Martin Luther King Jr. believed strongly in independence and freedom; the Liberty Bell and the Freedom Bell are symbols of these concepts. Kids can make a replica of the Freedom Bell using the cap from a Baby Bottle Pop candy, which is shaped like a bell. On the front of the plastic cap, write the word "FREEDOM" using black marker, near the bottom of the cap. Paint the cap with two layers of gold glitter glue, allowing time to dry between coats. After the second coat has dried, use brown or black 3-D paint to write over the word "FREEDOM" that you wrote on the cap earlier. This is a very easy project, so it is even appropriate for young children if you offer assistance with writing.
- This lesson takes several hours to complete. Compile a list of African tribes, and have each child choose one. Have them research the tribe they have chose, paying particular attention to tribal masks that were used. Each child should then create a tribal mask using papier mache. While waiting for the mask to dry, have the children write a description on notecards of the mask they have created. Include not only a physical description, but what the mask symbolizes or what properties it holds. When the masks are dry, decorate them and display with the notecards.
- Garrett Morgan of Cleveland, Ohio, invented the automatic traffic light. He reportedly was the first African-American to own an automobile in Cleveland and realized that traffic needed to be controlled. The General Electric Corporation bought Morgan's patent and began to manufacture them. A memorable way to celebrate the traffic light invention is to tell children the story of the traffic light, then have them make their own traffic lights by spreading graham crackers with peanut butter, and using red, yellow and green chocolate coated candies for the lights.
