Black History Month Science Activities with SEL - Martin Luther King and Mandela

February is Black History Month! Celebrate the achievements of historical figures with this collection of Black History Month Science Activities. This bundle includes two science + SEL (Social Emotional Learning) activities for hands-on fun in your middle school or upper elementary classroom!

What's Included (see Preview for all the details):

• Chalkboard Slime and Forgiveness SEL + Science Activity featuring Nelson Mandela
• Dissolving Inequalities SEL + Science Activity featuring Martin Luther King Jr.

Dissolving Inequalities SEL + Science Activity featuring Martin Luther King Jr.

Looking for a MLK Day Science Resource for your Middle School Students? This EASY, low-prep resource, connects scientific exploration with the historical context of Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts for social equality. This classroom activity provides an experimental setup where students observe the solubility of colored sugar in various liquids and relate these outcomes to the societal changes advocated by Martin Luther King Jr.

This resource is designed to facilitate an understanding of solubility and matter at a grade-appropriate level while encouraging students to reflect on past and present issues of social justice. It's an appropriate choice for teachers seeking to integrate science with social studies, particularly during units covering Martin Luther King Jr. or civil rights.

What Will Students Do?

1. Read a passage about social equality and Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Review the concepts of Mixtures, Solutions, and How Substances Dissolve
3. Relate the history of social inequalities to dissolving a solute (sugar cube + Food coloring) in different solvents (oil, isopropyl alcohol and water). Each solvent represents of different era of social reform. The solute represents social injustice.
4. Reflect on the activity.

What’s Included in this Activity?

• Reading Passage about social justice and Martin Luther King Jr.
• Reading Passage about Mixtures and Solutions
• Reading Passage about How Substances Dissolve
• Lists of materials
• Step-by-step instructions with photos
• Reflection Questions
• Answer Key
• Extension Activities
• Printer-friendly version

Who Is This Activity For?

• Middle school science and social studies classes
• Educators interested in lessons that combine historical context with science.
• Group leaders seeking educational activities with real-world relevance.
• Homeschool parents incorporating history into science lessons.
• Facilitators aiming to introduce discussions on equality and civil rights.

Chalkboard Slime and Forgiveness SEL + Science Activity featuring Nelson Mandela

This SEL Middle School activity featuring Nelson Mandela includes a hands-on science activity making chalkboard slime. Students will read a passage about forgiveness and Nelson Mandela, then use chalkboard slime as an object lesson on forgiveness.

This is a unique and engaging activity that combines the tactile fun of slime with the profound concept of forgiveness. This activity is designed to help students explore the power of forgiveness in a hands-on and interactive way.

This activity also includes a reading passage about the iconic Nelson Mandela, a renowned figure who exemplified the power of forgiveness. This inspiring reading passage sheds light on Mandela's extraordinary journey, his immense suffering during imprisonment, and his unwavering commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation. By including this reading passage, we aim to provide a deeper context and inspiration for the forgiveness-themed activity. It encourages individuals to learn from Mandela's remarkable example and reinforces the transformative impact forgiveness can have on our lives.

After students read about Nelson Mandela and make chalkboard slime, it's time to express their emotions and experiences. Use chalk markers to write down hurts, grudges, or negative feelings onto the slime's surface. Students can be asked to feel the weight of those words, symbolizing the burden they impose on their heart.

Now comes the transformative part. As students begin mixing, kneading, and stretching the slime, they will observe as the words disappear into the soft and malleable texture. They will witness the power of forgiveness as it gradually erases the marks, clearing the slate and bringing forth a sense of release and renewal.

This SEL activity provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations about forgiveness, empathy, and healing. It fosters a safe space for introspection, allowing individuals to reflect on their own experiences and understand the profound impact of forgiveness on personal growth and well-being.

Ideal for classrooms, therapy sessions, family bonding, or individual reflection, this forgiveness activity promotes emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Embrace the joy of slime-making while delving into the depths of forgiveness, leaving behind the weight of negativity and embracing a fresh start.

What will Students do in this SEL Middle School Activity?

• Read a passage about forgiveness and Nelson Mandela
• Make Chalkboard Slime
• Relate forgiveness to erasing chalkboard slime
• Reflect on activity

What is included in this Forgiveness Activity?

• Reading Passage about forgiveness and Nelson Mandela
• List of Materials
• Step-by-step instructions with photos
• Reflection Questions
• Answer Key
• Explanation of Activity
• Extension Activity
• Printer-friendly Version

Who would enjoy this Forgiveness Activity?

• Upper Elementary & Middle School Students
• Youth in Counseling
• Youth in Therapy Sessions
• Youth Groups
• Homeschoolers
• Co-ops
• Scout Groups
• Families

What NGSS Does this Activity Support?

• 5-PS1-1 Matter is made up of particles too small to see

RELATED SCIENCE RESOURCES for Black History Month:

• Black History Month Activity Bundle of 6 Resources
• Black History Month Scientists and Inventors Bundle of 3 Resources
• Black Scientists Slideshow
• Black Scientists Posters
• Black Scientists Hexagonal Thinking Project with Reading Comprehension Passages
• Black Scientists Hexagonal Thinking Project with ChatGPT

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