Learning from the Source: Monumental Men

Learning from the Source: Monumental Men

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt were monumental men who made significant contributions to the United States. Through the lens of both primary and secondary sources, students learn about the characters and contributions of these presidents and determine for themselves the qualities and accomplishments that make someone worthy of a lasting tribute. To…

Learning from the Source: Presidential Portraits

Learning from the Source: Presidential Portraits

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are two of the most famous U.S. presidents. This project helps students to learn about these presidents through the lens of both primary and secondary sources. Students will also investigate different types of primary sources, learn how portraits are created to convey information, and consider their own presidential potential. To…

Learning from the Source: Abraham Lincoln & Me Activity Book

Learning from the Source: Abraham Lincoln & Me Activity Book

Students are active learners when they are engaged in real activities. The Abraham Lincoln & Me Primary Source Activity Book enables students to become familiar with primary sources and learn about Abraham Lincoln and his accomplishments while fostering a personal connection to this U.S. president. The activity book is available in English and Spanish with accompanying audio…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Thanksgiving Truce

Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Thanksgiving Truce

Why do you think the creator titled this cartoon “A Thanksgiving Truce”? Use specific details from the source to support your response. What do you think the bear meant when it said (with deep feeling), “Here’s hoping that when next we meet, we see you first”? What more can you learn by reading the source record?…

Learning from the Source: Gettysburg Address Image Sequencing

Learning from the Source: Gettysburg Address Image Sequencing

The Union victory over Confederate forces at the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) is considered a major turning point in the Civil War. But it was also the costliest in terms of human lives—more than 51,000, nearly one-third of all forces engaged, were killed, reported missing, or wounded.[1] Soon after, a project to build a…

Learning from the Source: American Memory & Me Birthday Project

Learning from the Source: American Memory & Me Birthday Project

Overview Students naturally look for connections between themselves and what they are learning. This project connects students to historical events that happened on their birthdays, helping them to recognize that each person is part of and contributes to the ongoing American memory. To complete this project, students will . . . discover different types of…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Victrola Book of the Opera

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Victrola Book of the Opera

Explain what you know about opera. Click the image above to access the digital book. Choose one opera and read the description. Summarize the story for a friend. Listen to one of the songs from the opera you selected. Then fill out a sensory exploration chart as you listen to the recording again. After, describe…

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner K-2

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner K-2

Overview The flag is one of the United States’ most important symbols and the central character of the country’s national anthem. This project introduces students to the key historical events that led to the creation of this patriotic song, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner and expand their overall understanding of U.S. history…

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner 3-5

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner 3-5

Overview The flag is one of the United States’ most important symbols and the central character of the country’s national anthem. This project introduces students to key historical events that led to the creation of this patriotic song, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner, and expands their overall understanding of…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition

Guided Primary Source Analysis: 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition

Which U.S. states had buildings at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago? Label them with their state abbreviations on the map. Describe 10 objects you see on the map; on another page, note the location of each object (hint: use the map coordinates). Pass your object description list to someone and challenge that friend to…