Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Convince Me!"

Dear Mr. President

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:13:56 GMT

In this activity, students will analyze the letter Grace Bedell wrote to President Abraham Lincoln, then write and send their own letters to the president of the United States. This activity is included in 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.

Discover and Protect Nature

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:44:46 GMT

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring changed the way people thought about their relationship to nature. Warning readers of the impact of man-made pesticides on birds, insects, and other wildlife, Carson’s book caused a firestorm of public responses and is considered by some experts to be a major moment in the modern environmental movement. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring this history through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World a picture-book biography, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Reading Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:10:41 GMT

Actively read Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World using the suggested reading strategies. Part of an OurStory module entitled Discover and Protect Nature, this activity includes a list of challenge words, active reading suggestions, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.