Time

Activity

Materials and equipment

5 min.

I. Introduction

30 min.

II. Searching American Memory with younger age groups

1. Group discussion of search strategies that have worked.
2. Participants complete Vocabulary Development Activity.

Vocabulary Development Activity

computers with Internet connection

45 min.

III. Becoming an investigative reporter

1. Overview of photographic analysis.
2. Pairs complete Photograph Analysis Guide using photograph from Resources list.
3. Pairs compare findings with other pairs who analyzed same photograph.
4. Presentation on how analyzed photographs can be used as a basis for historical research.
5. Group considers how the same techniques can be used with other photographs, oral histories, and documents.

Photograph Analysis Guide

Selected Civil War photographs printed out (see Overview - Resources)

computers with Internet connection

30 min.

IV. Using visuals to identify different experiences in history

1. Discussion of prejudice and why it exists.
2. Pairs complete lesson using African-American Odyssey exhibit.
3. Pairs reflect findings to group.
4. Discussion of how visuals shape our understanding of events in history.
5. Brief look at other collections that are appropriate for this same lesson.

African-American Odyssey Activity

Photograph Analysis Guide

computers with Internet connection

Posters from the WPA: Collection Highlights

The Progress of a People (from African American Perspectives: Pamphlets from the Daniel A. P. Murray Collection, 1818-1907)

The Emergence of Advertising in America: 1850-1920

10 min.

V. Closure and Reflection

Discussion of what it means to develop a student as a researcher.