Lifestory: Muhammad Ali

Lesson Plan for Grades 4 - 8

Objectives
To demonstrate the many lifetime accomplishments of Muhammad Ali in the area of sports and understand his important role as a catalyst for social change in the United States and throughout the world.

Standards
McRel United States History #26:
Understands the economic boom and social transformation of post-World War II United States.

Materials


	Videotape: Nick News - "Lifestory: Muhammad Ali"


	TV and VCR for classroom use


	Writing supplies (paper, pens, and pencils)


	Chalkboard and chalk (or whiteboard and markers)


	Computer with Internet access for students' research


	Poster board for each student

Web Resources


	Biography of Muhammad Ali


	Houston Chronicle Article: Breaking Barriers


	Louisville Courier-Journal - Muhammad Ali: The Making of a Champ

Pre-Viewing Discussion Points:

What does it mean to be a hero?
Name some of your heroes. What makes these people heroes?
How do you become a hero? Do you have to be famous to be a hero? Can anyone do it? Does it take a special talent, such as being a sports figure, rock star, etc?

Post-Viewing Discussion Points:

Introduce this episode to the students by saying that the program they are about to watch is about someone who is considered to be a hero. Not only was he a great athlete, but also a person who helped to make changes in our world. Then introduce Muhammad Ali.

Ask students what they know about Mr. Ali, and list some of these things on the chalkboard/whiteboard before viewing the program.

Act #1:

View Act #1 in its entirety, then discuss the following:

Besides fighting in the boxing ring, what other fight did Muhammad Ali have? (He fought against racism and discrimination)
Why did Muhammad begin boxing? What event occurred at the age of 12 which made it necessary for Muhammad to fight?
What were Ali's specific boxing abilities that made him so unusual? (Although he was a heavyweight, he moved like a lightweight, he had fast footwork, and quick punches)
Ali was born Cassius Clay. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Why was this important to the boxer? (He believed that Cassius Clay was a slave name, and he was demonstrating his allegiance to his religion, Islam.)

Act #2:

Introduce Act 2 to students by saying that in the next segment, we will see that Muhammad Ali's boxing takes a back seat to his work to improve conditions for minorities in America.

Tell students that as they watch the segment, to look for ways that Ali stood up for his beliefs, and made things better for future African-Americans.

Show Act #2 in it entirety, then discuss the following:

What action did Muhammad Ali take toward fighting in Vietnam? What reasons did he give for his decision ? (He said that it was against his religion, and he would beat up people, but would not kill them.)
What were the consequences that Ali suffered for his beliefs about fighting in the Vietnam War? (He was stripped of his heavyweight title, and not allowed to box for three years.)
Muhammad Ali used the time that he was unable to fight in the boxing ring to speak out about the issue of racism in America, and expressed need for equality for all races. Why do you think this activity showed courage in the 1960s?
People were drawn to Muhammad Ali. He was considered a star both in and out of the boxing ring. List some qualities about him that made people want to see Ali and hear his message.

Act #3:

Introduce Act #3 by noting that although Muhammad Ali has won many fights inside the boxing ring, he continues to fight many causes outside of the ring. Let's watch this final segment to find out what these battles are.

Show Act 3# in its entirety, then discuss the following:

What "battles" does Muhammad Ali fight today? (Parkinson's Disease, making the world aware of the injustices to underprivileged people, bringing about world peace, protecting human rights in America and throughout the world, being a good parent to his children)
How does Muhammad Ali?s work help us? (It helps us to understand that it is important that we stand by our beliefs, that we are all entitled to be treated equally and fairly, and that we must learn to live together in peace and harmony).

(As stated in the episode: "He utilized a boxer's talent to connect with social issues in the real world".)

Compare what students have learned after viewing this Nick News program with their initial responses that were recorded about Muhammad Ali on the chalkboard. Add new information to this list, and make comparisons about how much has been learned about the life of this incredible Black American.

Activity

After discussing the concept of biography as the story of a person's life, using the websites given, and a variety of library resource material, choose 5 or more important events in the life of Muhammad Ali and create a poster describing and illustrating these events.

Assessment

Points Outcome Measure

4-5: The student shows a great deal of interest in the subject, and participates in the class discussions. The student uses the websites and constructs an illustrated poster depicting at least five facts about important events in Muhammad Ali's life. These events are listed chronologically and the information is written in complete sentences. This poster is presented orally to the class and used as bulletin board display in celebration of Black History month.
2-3: The student shows a limited interest in the subject, and participates occasionally in the class discussions. The student uses the websites and constructs an illustrated poster depicting less than five facts about important events in Muhammad Ali's life. These events are listed chronologically but the information does not show detail and depth and may or may not be written in complete sentences. This poster is presented orally to the class and used as bulletin board display in celebration of Black History month.
0-1: The student shows little or no interest in the subject, and does not participate in the class discussions. The student does not use the websites and does not prepares a poster on Muhammad Ali. There is no report to be presented orally to the class as a part of Black History Month activities.

Follow-Up Activities

1. Muhammad Ali is known for his descriptive rhyming poems that are humorous and witty. Allow students to create 4-6 lines of rhyming couplets to describe themselves.
2. Write an essay on Muhammad Ali telling why you think he is an American hero.

Lifestory: Muhammad Ali

nickelodeon kids and family websites

Nick

Parents Connect

SpongeBob.com

Nick at Nite

Nicktoons

Teen Nick

Shockwave

NeoPets

Nick Jr Boost

More Nick

nickjr.com