Listen carefully to this audio recording. You will hear six different sounds. What do you hear? Where do you think this audio recording was made? Why do you think that? What questions do you have about this audio recording? Now listen to the full audio recording, then find out who made this primary source audio recording (be sure to scroll down to read the notes). Were you surprised by what you heard and learned? Why or why not? What further questions do you have about this audio … [Read more...]
Today in History: A Visit from St. Nicholas
December 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 24–the Library of Congress features the famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" penned by Clement C. Moore on this day in 1822. Today the poem is best known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Find out more about Moore and his famous tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Santa Claus. Featured Source: Why I Believe in Santa guided primary source analysis activity A reprint of the first … [Read more...]
Today in History: William McKinley
September 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 06–the Library of Congress features President William McKinley, shot on this day in 1901 just six months after his second inauguration. President McKinley died eight days later, reportedly while singing his favorite hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee". Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is found guilty of assassinating the president and is executed less than two months later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more … [Read more...]
Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Audio Recordings
May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Written texts can be very powerful, but add sound and those words gain an extra dimension; just think of the difference between reading a speech and hearing one, particularly one delivered by a talented orator. In addition to speeches, primary source audio recordings include interviews, press conferences, testimonies, advertisements, entertainment broadcasts, and more. The analysis of audio recordings, like primary source images, Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS), including … [Read more...]
Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Music
May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Music can trigger powerful emotions and brain research has shown the strong link between emotion and memory. Songs and sheet music, also referred to as musical scores, are great primary sources to use with students to enable them tap into the feelings and emotions surrounding historical events and figures. Analyzing recorded songs and sheet music, which often include evocative cover illustrations, can help students better understand the historical context of these people and events and more … [Read more...]
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