The graphic above from the Chicago Metro History Fair (CMHF) is a great encapsulation of how to choose a topic for a history fair project. In addition, ask yourself the questions listed below. Does the topic relate to the 220 National History Day (NHD) theme: Breaking Barriers in History? Does the topic relate to local or state history? Does the topic really interest you? Do you have a personal connection to the topic? (It’s not necessary but it can be a good thing.) Will you be … [Read more...]
NHD 2019: Choosing a Topic for a History Project & Getting Started
October 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment
The graphic above from the Chicago Metro History Fair (CMHF) is a great encapsulation of how to choose a topic for a history fair project. In addition, ask yourself the questions listed below. Does the topic relate to the 2019 National History Day (NHD) theme: Triumph & Tragedy in History? For Illinois students, does the topic relate to local or Illinois state history? Does the topic really interest you? Do you have a personal connection to the topic? (It’s not necessary but it … [Read more...]
Today in History: Dorothea Lange
October 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features photographer Dorothea Lange, who died on this day in 1965. Best known for her "Migrant Mother" photo, Lange began her career as a studio photographer. During the Depression she took her camera to the street, photographing the homeless. These images led to her employment with the federal Resettlement Administration (RA), and its successor agency, the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Learn more about this Lange by visiting … [Read more...]
Today in History: September 11, 2001
September 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 11–the Library of Congress features the terrorist attacks on the United States. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and killed thousands as they destroyed the World Trade Center towers in New York and damaged the Pentagon in Virginia; a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers struggled with hijackers. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and, in particular, by reviewing the primary sources listed below that document … [Read more...]
Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Video Recordings
May 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Video is used to tell stories and provide information. Because we live in a world increasingly dominated by video, it is critical that we teach students how to analyze this powerful primary source that combines moving images with sound and, sometimes, text. In addition to dramatic or documentary films, primary source video recordings include news reports, interviews, press conferences, testimonies, advertisements, entertainment broadcasts, and more. The analysis of video recordings, like primary … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: September 11, 2001
September 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
On September 12, 2001, the Library of Congress began recording public and private responses to the events, much as it did after the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some ideas for teaching with the resources in the September 11 collections. For more resources and teaching and learning ideas, click the links below. Teaching About September 11 Using Primary Sources from Library of Congress Teaching with the Library of Congress blog post … [Read more...]
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