Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Document Detective"

Reading Follow the Drinking Gourd

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:48:20 GMT

In this activity, students will increase their knowledge of slavery, slave life and the Underground Railroad by answering questions about the book and song Follow the Drinking Gourd and then writing and illustrating a poem or letter playing the role of a conductor, agent or passenger on the Underground Railroad. It is included in an OurStory module entitled Slave Life and the Underground Railroad. OurStory is a series of modules designed 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.

The Bracero Archive-Learning From Documents

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:25:10 GMT

In this activity, one of three on the Bracero Archive website, students will examine two public laws and other primary resources related to the Bracero worker program and apply their knowledge to evaluate whether the program was carried out as intended.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is part of a consortium of museums, universities, and cultural institutions documenting and preserving the history of the bracero program, a little-known chapter of American history in which an estimated two million Mexican men came to the United States between 1942-1964 on short-term labor contracts.

Exploring the Gettysburg Address

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:11:24 GMT

This resource for teachers includes tips for how to use the interactive document tool in the online exhibition The Gettysburg Address, suggested discussion questions based on the speech, and other recommended resources related to the Gettysburg Address. Students will closely examine a copy of the Gettysburg Address written in Lincoln's hand and will be encouraged to think critically about the meanings and context of one of America's most famous speeches.

Find Grace's Family

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:09:43 GMT

In this activity, children will analyze a primary source document–Grace Bedell's letter to Abraham Lincoln–and look for hints about Grace and her family. They will then draw a picture to represent the information they found in this activity, part of an OurStory module entitled A Letter to Abraham Lincoln. OurStory is a series of modules designed 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 will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

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.

Three Sides of the Smalls Story

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:39:09 GMT

Take a close look at two newspaper articles and a children's book telling the story of an escaped slave-compare the stories they tell to uncover the perspectives they represent. Part of an OurStory module entitled Full Steam to Freedom, this activity includes transcripts of two Civil War-era newspaper articles (one from the North and one from the South)and a recommended children's book, along with a ThinkAbout worksheet with strategies for analyzing. OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.

Slave Life and the Underground Railroad Homepage

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:32:44 GMT

Students will learn about slavery, slave life and the Underground Railroad in this OurStory module. 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.