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Overview
Learning history from real people involved in real events
brings life to history. The Grandparent/Elder Project provides a means
to learn about the twentieth century from real people and primary sources.
A 1913 New York Times newspaper provides a view of the world on
the brink of a World War. An interview with a grandparent or significant
elder provides a human face for life in the twentieth century. Through
researching primary and secondary sources, students become conversant
with significant aspects of twentieth century history.
| Objectives |
Students will learn:
- that each person, no matter how seemingly
insignificant, contributes to the world's story;
- how to differentiate between primary and secondary sources
and how to assess the relative importance of each in the study of history;
- how to access, interpret, analyze, and evaluate primary sources
of various kinds;
- how to conduct an interview;
- effective use of questions in doing research;
- techniques and skills of research;
- the importance of accuracy and honesty in research;
- how to "write history" clearly so that it communicates
to others;
- how to teach others the topic on which one has become an expert;
- how to gain self-confidence and learning techniques for effective oral
presentations; and
- specific skills related
to the activities.
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| Time Required |
8-10 weeks for the entire project. "Gathering Information
from Primary Sources" (Unit III) may be used independently (1-2 weeks). |
| Recommended Grade Level |
9th grade; may be modified
for grades 7-12. |
| Curriculum Fit |
American History, Social Studies, English, and Public
Speaking. |
| Standards |
McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks
Historical Understanding
Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective
Language Arts
Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Standard 9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media |
| Resources |
See Resources Page |
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