Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Historians are Detectives"

The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem Homepage

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:31:58 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will explore the story of the Star-Spangled Banner by learning about the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore; Mary Pickersgill and the making of the flag; Francis Scott Key and the song that became the national anthem; the legacy of the flag and its use as a patriotic symbol; and the efforts undertaken to preserve the flag as a national treasure. This resource includes interactive activities and educational resources that can be used to further enhance this exploration of the flag that inspired the national anthem.

Understanding and Using Primary and Secondary Sources in History

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:57:03 GMT

Learning to use primary and secondary sources correctly takes practice. In this classroom activity, students will understand the difference between primary and secondary sources. After class discussion and a written assignment based on primary sources, students will also be able to explain the importance and limitations of using primary sources for historical research. This activity is included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem.

Go Back in Time

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:39:30 GMT

In this interactive game, students will match primary source materials and museum artifacts to the appropriate time period in order to learn about the everyday lives of Americans from different eras of our nation's history. This activity is one of the educational resources included in the online exhibition entitled Within These Walls.

Treasures of the Library of Congress: The Star-Spangled Banner

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:08:09 GMT

This resource includes images of a rare, first print edition of the Star-Spangled Banner sheet music that combines words and music as well as a hand-written copy of the Star-Spangled Banner poem by Francis Scott Key. These primary sources are included in the Library of Congress' online exhibition entitled American Treasures of the Library of Congress.

Document Detective

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:42:22 GMT

Historians gather information about the past by looking at primary sources. In this activity, students will practice using primary sources by to learn about slavery and the Underground Railroad by analyzing newspaper advertisements regarding runaway slaves from the Charleston Mercury. It is included in an OurStory module entitled Slave Life and the Underground Railroad. OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.