Check It Out
FREE Historical Thinking Poster from the National History Education Clearinghouse

Are you a K-12 U.S. history or social studies teacher, librarian, or teacher educator? Looking for ways to promote thoughtful, critical reading of primary and secondary sources in the classroom? Teachinghistory.org now offers a poster to help you out! The double-sided color poster features definitions of primary and secondary sources and guides students through the process of historical inquiry. Bright illustrations and snappy captions present history as a mystery for elementary students, while the flip side asks middle and high schoolers how historians know what they know about the past. Both sides feature clear visual examples of primary sources. You can read about it at http://teachinghistory.org/nhec-blog/24174 OR request a free copy at http://teachinghistory.org/historical-thinking-poster-request

Lessons

Critical Thinking and the Inclusion of Art: A John Brown Unit
by Derek Montgomery, Gr. 11, Classical Academy High School

Historian Michael Eric Dyson once noted of the American Revolution, “America was founded on breaking the law.”

Incorporating art, local primary sources, and video, this resource engages students in a study of John Brown. With a mock trial as the culminating activity, students will analyze not only Brown’s actions but study events and attitudes of the era, as well as discuss lasting impressions of treason by exploring a lesser-known treason case occurring right here in San Diego. Through the use of PowerPoint presentations, teachers can discuss primary sources, introduce a John Brown unit, and share a local treason case. Guiding questions will help scaffold and support student learning while actual primary source images will bring the study to life!

The First Amendment: Religion and Education - Moot Court Trials
by Lea Heredia and Elise Hope, Gr. 11, Orange Glen High School

Students will analyze two modern history Supreme Court cases and the precedent each case set as to alternative theories for the source of life and how they are taught in public schools.

Oral History Makes Learning Memorable with Heroes!
by Stacey Perez, Gr. 11, Classical Academy High School

The purpose of this oral history project is for students to make connections between historical events and a real life hero, whose story might not be otherwise be recorded, to gain historical empathy, context and inquiry.

Living the Civil War
by Kimberely Jalajas, Gr. 8, Woodland Park Middle School

Venture into Character Interpretations with this cross-curricular resource that bridges 8th grade English Language Arts research and writing with History-Social Science Civil War standards. Blending historical research, student-created posters, novels, and character interpretations, this study will engage students in deeper analysis of the personalities and contributions of influential Civil War figures. Along with the lesson overview and graphic organizer for note-taking the Civil War Figures PowerPoint will support students in focusing on relevant information for each individual.