Black History Study Guide 2025 customGPT
I couldn't sleep so I got up early and put the finishing touches on the first draft of the Black History Study Guide I started last night. I added a Middle School Guide version - I need to check through content to see how appropriate it all actually is for the age group I requested. Some of the best content was around guiding kids on how to prompt. I think this guide from Claude.ai plus these prompts from Perplexity could be a great starting research on Black History and learning how to responsibily use AI
Claude.ai (link to study guide)
Student Guide: AI Research Prompts for Black History
For Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
How to Use This Guide
Before using these prompts:
Always have a parent or teacher supervise your AI research
Take notes on the responses you receive
Fact-check information using your textbooks or trusted websites
Remember that AI can make mistakes
Use critical thinking skills
Research Prompts
Learning About Historical Figures
"Can you tell me about [historical figure's name] in a way that a middle school student can understand? Please include: - Their main achievements - Why they're important in history - 3 interesting facts about their life Please avoid any disturbing details."
Understanding Time Periods
"I'm doing a school project about [time period] in African American history. Can you explain it to me like I'm 12 years old? Please include: - The most important events - Key people involved - How it changed America Please keep the explanation appropriate for middle school."
Exploring Inventions and Innovations
"What are some important inventions or discoveries by African American scientists and inventors during [specific time period]? Please tell me: - What they invented - How it helped people - Why it was important Please explain it simply, like you're talking to a middle school student."
Understanding Cultural Contributions
"Can you explain how African Americans influenced [music/art/literature/sports] in America? Please include: - Important people - Major achievements - How it affects us today Please use examples that middle school students would understand."
Learning About Historical Events
"I need to learn about [historical event] for my history class. Can you: - Explain what happened - Tell me why it was important - Share how it changed things Please keep it appropriate for someone my age and avoid disturbing details."
Exploring Local History
"Can you tell me about important African American historical sites or events in [your state/city]? Please include: - Places I could visit - People who lived here - How they made history Please focus on information that would interest middle school students."
Understanding Achievements
"Who were some African American pioneers in [field/profession]? Please tell me: - What they accomplished - Challenges they overcame - Why they're remembered today Please explain it in a way that's easy for a middle school student to understand."
Learning About Organizations
"Can you explain what [organization name] did to help African Americans? Please include: - When it was created - What it accomplished - Who led it Please keep the explanation simple and appropriate for my age."
Exploring Art and Literature
"Can you recommend some age-appropriate books or art by African American [authors/artists] that a middle school student would enjoy? Please include: - What they're about - Why they're important - Why kids my age might like them"
Understanding Modern Connections
"How did [historical event/person] help change things for people today? Please explain: - What was different then - What changed - Why it matters now Please explain it like you're talking to someone my age."
Tips for Students
Be specific in your questions
Ask for clarification if you don't understand something
Take notes on the responses
Always verify information with other sources
Share what you learn with your teacher
Safety Guidelines
Always use AI with adult supervision
Don't share personal information
Verify information with trusted sources
Tell an adult if you see inappropriate content
Use AI as one of many research tools
Remember
AI can make mistakes
Not all information may be current
Always double-check facts
Use multiple sources for research
Ask teachers or librarians for help
Perplexity
Here are 10 AI prompts that middle schoolers can use to explore African American history:
Describe the significance of the Underground Railroad during the 19th century.
Purpose: Understand the role of the Underground Railroad in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Explain the impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on African American communities.
Purpose: Learn about the legal changes that helped reduce racial segregation.
Who was Harriet Tubman, and what were her contributions to American history?
Purpose: Explore the life and achievements of Harriet Tubman.
Discuss the role of African American soldiers in World War II.
Purpose: Understand the experiences and contributions of Black soldiers during WWII.
What were the main goals of the Black Panther Party, and how did they achieve them?
Purpose: Learn about the Black Panther Party's objectives and actions.
Describe the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Purpose: Study Dr. King's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
How did the Harlem Renaissance influence African American culture?
Purpose: Explore the artistic and literary contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.
What were the key events and figures of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Purpose: Understand the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Explain the significance of Juneteenth and its origins.
Purpose: Learn about the history and celebration of Juneteenth.
Discuss the impact of African American inventors on modern technology.
Purpose: Discover the contributions of Black inventors to science and technology.
These prompts can help middle schoolers delve into various aspects of African American history using AI tools for research and learning.
For more AI prompts and resources, you can explore platforms like Pedagog.ai and Teachers Pay Teachers for additional guidance and tools[2][6].
Citations: [1] https://www.abhmuseum.org/black-artists-say-a-i-shows-bias-with-algorithms-erasing-their-history/ [2] https://pedagog.ai/sign-up/?mepr-unauth-page=3858&redirect_to=%2Fusing-ai-to-teach-about-black-history-month%2F [3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-ai-powered-prompts-celebrating-black-history-month-dennis-hardy-wxsbe [4] https://www.etsy.com/listing/1530105989/black-history-month-midjourney-prompts [5] https://selar.co/digital-ai-art [6] https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teachers-African-American-AI-Prompts-Made-Easy-10870776 [7] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/10/06/1201840678/ai-was-asked-to-create-images-of-black-african-docs-treating-white-kids-howd-it- [8] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/pinterest--570972059022551260/
Lastly, I took the content I created yesterday and today and made a custom GPT that anyone can chat with and access sources from accross all the AI platforms. Give it a spin and let me know what you think. I'm going to continue to update throughout the month. I'm also going to use it to create content for BlackChatGPT.
