Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Whole Cloth"

Cotton Gin Video

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:06:40 GMT

In this video, students will see both long-staple and short-staple cotton fibers processed in a roller gin and saw gin model similar to that patented by Eli Whitney, to better understand the impact of the cotton gin on cotton production in the U.S. Short staple cotton, with short fibers that stick to the seeds inside, was the type of cotton grown in most of the American south. This video does not include sound, but can be used with the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation resource packet, Whole Cloth.

Preservation and the Power of Light

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:05:46 GMT

In this activity, children will learn about the power of light by comparing what happens to paper that has been left in the sunlight with paper that has been left in the dark. They will use a chart to write a prediction ("hypothesis") and compare it to the results of the experiment. They will then think about how light has affected the Star-Spangled Banner and how the flag can be preserved. This activity is included in an OurStory module entitled Making the Star-Spangled Banner. 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 children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

Changing Gender Roles on the World War II Home Front

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:17:46 GMT

Kick-off a research project on gender roles on the World War II home front with two brief video clips and a selection of primary sources. Once students have analyzed the photographs and wartime advertisements, begin a research project on women during World War II. This lesson plan (which includes background information and full-color primary sources) was produced to accompany the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

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.

Material and Symbol: The Lincoln-Keckley Dress

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:25:35 GMT

This teacher's resource challenges students to think about the Lincoln-Keckley as an object that has multiple symbolic meanings. It includes a preliminary activity intended to introduce students to doing history with objects and 3 lesson plans focused on the multiple meanings of the dress, the evolving role of the first lady and the advent of mass media. Also included are annotated links to other online resources that are related to slavery, abolition, gender and consumption in the mid-nineteenth century.

This activity is included in The Object of History, a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and George Mason University's Center for History and New Media.