Story Maps are immersive web applications that tell the incredible stories of the Library’s collections through narrative, multimedia, and interactive maps. The story maps are created within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based software platform created by Esri. Story Maps are chock full of primary sources, including photographs, illustrations, texts, newspaper articles, and even maps. “I find story maps to be a twenty-first-century tool for a twenty-first-century library,” said … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Geology of the Solar System
December 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Zoom into this 1997 Geology of the Solar System map to read the text. List the challenges geologists face in mapping the solar system. Choose one planet (Venus, Mercury, Earth, Mars) and summarize what you learned about it from the map. Compare your findings with a peer who chose a different planet. Compare and contrast what you find on one moon from three different systems (Earth, Jovian, Saturnian, Uranian, Neptunian). Alternatively, you may compare three moons from the same system … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Primary Source Trail of Western Migration
August 12, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Background The “Corps of Discovery” expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the years 1804-1806 was instrumental in opening up western North America to settlement. After this defining exploration, fur companies further investigated westward routes. Financed by John J. Astor's Pacific Fur Company, an 1812 expedition led by Robert Stuart began on the west coast at Fort Aster on the mouth of the Columbia River and forged eastward. A significant portion of the route … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: Everyday Mysteries
March 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment
If you're looking for some fun science facts to intrigue and delight your elementary students, head over to the Everyday Mysteries section of LOC.gov. This part of the Library of Congress website gives answers to many of life's most interesting scientific questions, all of which were asked by researchers and answered by librarians from the Library's Science Reference Services. You can search for topics on the homepage or browse archived questions and answers by … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Grand Canyon Tourist Map
February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
List the different data you find on this map (view larger image). Conduct research to compare the data from this map from 1977 with current information and statistics. What similarities and differences did you find? Investigate reasons for the change(s) in data; describe your findings. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! Related resources Today in History: Grand Canyon … [Read more...]
Today in History: Grand Canyon
February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 26–the Library of Congress features the Grand Canyon. On this date in 1919 Congress established Grand Canyon National Park in the state of Arizona. Learn more about this magnificent place, considered by many to be one of the earth's most spectacular natural wonders, by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below. Primary sources The physical geology of the Grand Canyon District, Annual report of the United States Geological Survey to … [Read more...]
Today in History: George Perkins Marsh
September 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 30–the Library of Congress features Congressman George Perkins Marsh, who delivered a speech on agricultural conditions in New England on this day in 1847 that recognized the capacity for environmental destruction and advocated for resource management and restoration. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section and reviewing the resources below. George Perkins Marsh images George P. Marsh address delivered before the Agricultural society of Rutland … [Read more...]
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