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Using Primary Source Documents in the Classroom
Students use primary documents to explore the past. They consider the source of the documents and identify and biases that the author may have held. They identify any questions about the historical event that may remain after reading the...
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Family History
Fourth graders identify primary source items in the study of their families. They relate the importance of primary source materials in understanding history and events of the past.
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Ancient Tablets, Ancient Graves: Accessing Women's Lives in Mesopotamia
Students explore the role of women in ancient Mesopotamia. Several excerpts from the Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets and artifacts are analyzed to determine the treatment, rights, and powers of women in this era.
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What Is a Primary-Source Document?
Learners discover what a primary-source document is, what different types there were back in 1867, and what newer kinds there are today. They play a form of bingo using printed cards that reproduce documents related to Confederation.
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A Letter Read 'Round the World
Learners examine primary document to examine the concept of free assembly, and analyze Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's letter to the clergy to explain the rationale for this tactic to advance civil rights.
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Trouble in the Fields: Mexican Migrant Workers
Young scholars become curators and museum reviewers for an online gallery using a selected group of primary sources on Mexican migrant workers. They share and reflect on their own and each other's ideas though participation in an on-line...
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D-day Message from General Eisenhower to General Marshall
High schoolers analyze a "top secret" document written by Eisenhower. They identify and chart cliches for those about to go into battle and read related poetry. They invite a veteran to describe the D-Day invasion.
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Soldiers' experiences with medicine and hospitals in the Civil War
Learners explore medicine and hospitals during Civil War using primary sources.
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Jobs in Jamestown
Students research occupations of Jamestown settlers using census data, and evaluate the data to show the needs and activities of the colony.
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Burning Washington: Dolley Madison's Historical Letter
Students review and discuss War of 1812, analyze the taking of Washington and the personal feelings of Dolley Madison by reading and discussing her famous letter to her sister, and respond to Dolley Madison in a one or more page letter...
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Using Primary Sources
Students examine primary source documents about slavery in the United States. They evaluate the documents for the evidence they provide, reliability and bias. They present their evaluation to the class.
PBS
Primary Sources
Learners see how to use primary and secondary sources to investigate history. Whether it is a photograph, book, map, letter, postcard, newspaper, or official document, students can use sources to reconstruct and relive history.
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Early Champlain Valley History
Class members use primary sources to craft an essay about early Champlain Valley History. I would use this as a homework assignment.
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Adding to the Picture: The 1963 March on Washington
Who do your scholars imagine when they think about the civil rights movement? If only a few faces come to mind, this lesson will expand their concepts of the movement's leaders. Learners examine an image of the 1963 March on Washington,...
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My America
Eleventh graders compare 1920's America to modern America. In this historical perspectives lesson, 11th graders research both eras in American history using inquiry skills. As a culminating activity, students create digital slide shows...
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Underground Railroad Tic-Tac-Toe
Students discover details about the Underground Railroad. In this slavery lesson, students read primary documents about fugitive slaves and analyze the sources using the provided worksheets.
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Fugitive Slaves and the Underground Railroad
Eleventh graders consider the impact of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery lesson, 11th graders examine primary documents as they conduct independent research to explore the role of the Underground Railroad during the fight for...
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The Underground Railroad
Students write about the impact of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery instructional activity, students examine primary documents as they conduct independent research to explore the role of the Underground Railroad during the fight...
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Baltimoreans in the California Gold Rush
Eleventh graders explore the reasons for migration to California during the Gold Rush. In this American History lesson, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced. Students create a map of migration...
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The Life of a Hoosier Soldier, based on the letters of Lt. John V. Hadley
Eighth graders take a closer look at the life of Union soldiers. For this American Civil War lesson, 8th graders read and analyze a series of letters from Lt. John Hadley to his fiancée. Students chart their findings from the letters on...
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Origins of World War I
In this World War I worksheet, students follow the provided guidelines to conduct independent research and write research papers about aspects of the war.
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Questions on Benjamin Franklin’s Cartoon
In this primary source analysis worksheet, learners examine Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" political cartoon and then respond to 8 short answer questions based on their analysis of it.
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Dr. Seuss Political Cartoon Questions
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students examine a political cartoon by Dr. Seuss about World War II and then respond to 5 short answer questions.