Black History Month

 Postage Stamp Lesson

In 1940, the first stamp issued in honor of a black American

was released. The image was of educator Booker T. Washington.

Since then, many black Americans' lives and contributions have

been celebrated on stamps. Some of them include Harriet Tubman,

abolitionist; Billie Holiday, jazz singer; Ralph Bunche,statesman

and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; Martin Luther King, Jr., minister

and civil rights activist; Jackie Robinson, baseball player,

and Madam C.J. Walker, entrepreneur.

https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/african-american-stamp-subjects.htm

Research:

Before beginning the design work, students need to gather

information about black Americans and events that are important

in their history.

Materials:

newsprint 

Copies of stamp template

Drawing Materials... pencils, colored pencils, fine tip markers

black sharpies

scissors

glue

colored construction paper

Steps:

1. On their Chromebooks, student will research topics and images

for their stamp design.

2. After doing the research, students are ready to plan and design

their stamp. Students are to create rough sketches on newsprint.

There are some basic elements that must be included on the

stamps. They are: USA, a price, an image of a person,

place, event or design.

3. Students will re-draw their final stamps on the stamp template.

4. Have students complete their designs with colored pencils,

sharpie, and/or markers. Designs should be highly detailed.

5. When the stamp is complete, students are to cut out their stamp.

6. Finally, glue the stamp onto a half sheet of colored construction paper.

Evaluation Questions:

Did the student create a stamp that highlights a Black History

person, place, event or design?

Does the stamp include an image and/or design, USA and a price?

Is the design colored (not left in pencil) - colored pencil,markers or sharpies?

Does the stamp reflect good craftsmanship?

Is the stamp complete, cut out and glued on a piece of colored

construction paper?