Teaching Guide: Physicist Activist: Dr. Elmer Imes and the Civil Rights Case of Juliette Derricotte
Students will learn about how the physicist Elmer Imes’ became involved in the civil rights case of Juliette Derricotte and about racial segregation in the 1930s.
Portrait of Elmer Imes Fisk University, courtesy AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives
Students will learn about prominent African American physicist Elmer Imes who headed the physics department at Fisk University. They will learn about his involvement in the civil rights case of Juliette Derricotte and about racial segregation in the 1930s. Note: this lesson works very well alongside the AIP Teaching Guide “Dr. Elmer Imes and Spectroscopy.” This Guide explores a historical tragedy that Elmer Imes became involved in; the related Teaching Guide explores Imes’ personal history and scientific work in spectroscopy, and provides a hands-on activity involving spectroscopy.
Grade level(s): 9-12
Guide subjects: History
Minority Group(s): African-American
In-class time: 60-90 minutes
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access not required, Audio/Video not required
Common Core Standards: Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies
