In this lesson, students analyze required CED images to understand the historical significance of HBCUs before researching one institution in small groups. They then deliver a four-minute persuasive presentation designed to convince classmates to apply to their HBCU, blending source analysis, collaborative research, and comparison while maintaining strong alignment with the AP African American Studies curriculum.

For Unit 2 of AP African American studies, I have decided to incorporate Jesmyn Ward’s latest novel as a companion to the content we’re learning in class. My hope is that incorporating a contemporary novel about slavery into an AP African American Studies curriculum will enrich students' understanding of historical contexts while fostering critical thinking.

There’s an incredible amount to talk about with this novel, from the reference to Dante’s Divine Comedy, to the use of spirits and magical realism that Ward employs. I hope my materials do the book justice, and that they may be helpful in your own classroom.

Incorporating AI tools in education offers exciting opportunities but also raises ethical challenges, especially in a social studies classroom where critical thinking and societal impacts are deeply explored. Establishing an AI ethics policy is crucial to ensuring that AI is used responsibly. It helps students understand the broader implications of AI, such as privacy, bias, and accountability, fostering a learning environment that promotes ethical decision-making and prepares students to navigate the complex digital world.

SlidesBot is a GPT-powered chatbot designed to serve as a reference guide for students struggling with AP US History material. When creating this chatbot, I implemented strategies to address some of the existing limitations in GenAI technologies.