Stand or Sit

This worksheet presents students with modern-day protest scenarios and asks them to decide whether they would “stand” (take visible action) or “sit” (use peaceful resistance) to make their point. After choosing an approach for each scenario, students must briefly explain their reasoning, encouraging thoughtful decision-making tied to historical context. The activity builds understanding of activism strategies used during the Civil Rights era, including sit-ins, rallies, and peaceful protest. It also helps students practice evaluating real-world dilemmas, articulating viewpoints, and defending their choices with clear reasoning. By connecting past protest tactics to present situations, students deepen their grasp of civic participation and ethical action.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Written Explanations and Justification

Social Studies – Civil Rights Tactics and Nonviolent Resistance

Civics – Evaluating Methods of Advocacy

Critical Thinking – Decision Making in Social Contexts

This worksheet is part of our Civil Rights Movement Worksheets collection.