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Using Primary Sources
Young scholars 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.
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Primary Sources
Students 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 instructional activity will expand their concepts of the movement's leaders. Learners examine an image of the 1963 March...
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My America
Eleventh graders compare 1920's America to modern America. In this historical perspectives instructional activity, 11th graders research both eras in American history using inquiry skills. As a culminating activity, students create...
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Underground Railroad Tic-Tac-Toe
Students discover details about the Underground Railroad. In this slavery instructional activity, 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 activity, students examine primary documents as they conduct independent research to explore the role of the Underground Railroad during the fight for...
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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 plan, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced. Students create a map...
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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. In 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, students 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.
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The Spanish Entrada
For this Arizona history worksheet, students read a 5 page selection that includes primary sources about time periods in the state's history. Students then respond to 5 short answer questions based on the selection.
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Teaching With Primary Sources
Pupils examine primary sources. In this primary sources lesson plan, students evaluate 19th century advertisements. Pupils create and illustrate an advertisement.
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Timeline of Compromises over Slavery
In this primary source analysis learning exercise, students read excerpts of the Preamble, the Constitution, and the Fugitive Slave Act, the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Crittenden...
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CCC Boys Serve a Meal in California
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students examine a photograph of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Students respond to 3 short answer questions about the photograph.
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FDR's Tree Army: The Civilian Conservation Corps
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the a short documentary video clip about the CCC. Students respond to 3 short answer questions about the documentary.
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Americans All, Let's Fight for Victory: Americanos Todos, Luchamos por la Victoria
In this primary source analysis learning exercise, students analyze a World War II propaganda poster. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions about the poster.
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The First Vote
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the political cartoon that features African-Americans waiting to vote. Students respond to 1 short answer question about the cartoon.
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Wanted, a Substitute
In this primary source analysis worksheet, learners analyze an American Civil War song. Students respond to 5 short answer questions about the song and its lyrics.
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Runaway Slave Advertisement from Antebellum Virginia
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the runaway slave advertisement. Students respond to 5 short answer questions about the advertisement.
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Boston Abolitionists Warn of Slave Catchers
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the advertisement that features a call for African-Americans to beware of slave catchers. Students respond to 6 short answer questions about the advertisement.