February 1st kicks off Black History Month for kids, whether you’re learning at home or in the classroom! Wondering what activities you can do for Black History month? I’ve gathered all my favorite Black History Month crafts and science activities in this post for you! We have plenty of resources to explore famous men and women in STEM all year round.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month for kids is a celebration in the United States and some other countries that focuses on recognizing and honoring African Americans’ achievements, contributions, and history.
It takes place every February. The primary purpose of Black History Month is to highlight the positive impact that African Americans have had on the nation’s history and culture, which is often overlooked or understated in traditional history curricula.
For kids, Black History Month provides an opportunity to learn about significant figures, events, and milestones in African American history. Schools, libraries, and communities often organize special activities, events, and educational programs to engage children in learning about the rich heritage of African Americans.
NEW: Download our Free Black History Month Lesson Guide
Some key aspects of Black History Month for kids include:
- Learning about historical figures: Children are introduced to influential African Americans who have made significant contributions in various fields, such as science, arts, literature, politics, and civil rights.
- Exploring important events: Kids learn about important events in African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement, abolition of slavery, and other milestones that have shaped the nation.
- Celebrating achievements: Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of African Americans throughout history, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and positive impact on society.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion: The month is an opportunity to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity. It encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among individuals.
You can easily celebrate Black History Month in the classroom or at home with your kids by introducing them to incredible African American icons throughout history!
Also, check out our Indigenous Peoples Activities for kids!
Learning about iconic black Americans doesn’t have to be boring! Kids love finding people they can look up to, and there are SO many unique heroes in the black community!
Also, learn about the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa with our Kwanzaa Kinara craft.
Free Printable Black History Inventors Game
Grab this free inventors game to support your black history lessons!
Printable Black History Month Activities Pack
We love to celebrate history with our kids through hands-on learning. Utilize one or all of these STEM activities or Black History Month crafts below (or throughout the year) to help kids learn about these amazing scientists, engineers, and artists!
Grab this done-for-you Black History Month pack:
Explore 10 famous black men and women who have helped shape the history of our country through their words and actions!
You’ll find secret codes, coloring projects, engineering projects, games, and more! This pack can be used for various ages, including 5-10. Whether you read it aloud to a class or allow the kids to read the information on their own is up to you!
WHO’S INCLUDED:
- Maya Angelou
- Ruby Bridges
- Mae Jemison
- Barack Obama
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Garret Morgan
- Mary Jackson
- Elijah McCoy
- Mavis Pusey Project Pack
- Matthew Henson Project Pack
Black History Month STEM Activities
Get ready to explore black scientists and inventors who shaped the world as we know it with these hands-on Black History Month Projects.
Build A Satellite
Evelyn Boyd Granville was the second African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics from an American University. Build a satellite inspired by the achievements of Evelyn Boyd Granville.
Build A Space Shuttle
Who is Mae Jemison? Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Build A Lunar Lander
Build your own model of the Apollo Lunar Lander for STEM in honor of renowned African American mathematician Katherine Johnson. Katherine Johnson’s calculations were critical to the success of the Apollo lunar landings.
DIY Planetarium
Famous scientist, Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, planetary scientist, author, and science communicator. Build your own planetarium and explore the constellations without needing a telescope.
You can also try this watercolor galaxy art activity featuring Tyson as well!
Wind Tunnel Project
Inspired by inventor and scientist Mary Jackson, students can discover the power of a wind tunnel and the science behind it.
Black History Month Art & Crafts
Explore famous black artists, including Thomas, Basquiat, and Simpson! Create your own works of art inspired by their unique styles. Use the free printables to learn more about each black artist.
Handprint Wreath
Create a personalized handprint wreath with your kiddos that symbolizes diversity and hope in celebration of Black History Month. An easy Black History Month craft for kids!
Alma’s Flowers
Kids will love to paint these fun bright flowers with their own homemade stamps, inspired by artist Alma Thomas.
Thomas was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art, and she exhibited her paintings at the White House three times.
Basquiat Self Portrait
Artist, Basquiat painted a lot of self portraits. In both his portraits and self portraits, he explores his identity as a man with African-American lineage.
His paintings were tributes to African-American historical figures, jazz musicians, sports personalities and writers.
Basquiat Art With Tape
This is another fun Basquiat themed art project kids will love!
Lorna Simpson Collage
Lorna Simpson is a significant African-American artist, who lives and works in New York. She has become known for her unique artworks that combine photographs with words.
Bubble Wrap Prints
This bubble wrap printing activity is great for younger kids. Inspired by the colorful abstract art of American painter, Alma Thomas. An artist who loved to smile and to paint with bright colors that made her paintings look happy and vibrant.
Stamped Heart
Another fun craft inspired by African American artist, Alma Thomas.
Alma Thomas Circle Art
Alma Thomas was also known for her patterned abstract style and for her vibrant colors.
Jacob Lawrence Shapes and Stories Art
Create stories with shapes and colors like this collage with Jacob Lawrence! His paintings are colorful and use interesting shapes to tell important stories. Jacob Lawrence’s art helps us understand the history and feelings of diverse communities.
Martin Luther King Jr Activity
Zines, known for their DIY spirit, provide a unique way to visually and interactively explore Dr. King’s legacy, making learning about history an engaging experience for young minds. Make a zine for Martin Luther KIng Jr Day!
Free Black History Month Activities Guide
Download this free Black History Month ideas page for a quick resource in planning your next lesson. Click here or on the image below.
More Famous Scientists For Kids
If your kids want to learn about even more famous scientists, this is the resource for you!
