Using+the+Past

=Using the Past--Sources of Information=

Reading
On the first day of class, we read through the syllabus as a class. If you missed the first day, you need to click on the link and read through it cover to cover to fully understand the classroom expectations and curriculum.

If you were there on the first day, please re-read to remind yourself of the classroom expectations before moving on to the Watching section of the unit.

Watching
In both US I and US II, you will be asked to look for primary and secondary resources. What are primary and secondary sources, you ask? Good question, watch video below for the answer. Once you have completed the video, fill out the scorecard. media type="youtube" key="s13KpDtKAys" height="349" width="425"

As you work through each of the US History units, our goal is to guide you through the process of "thinking historically." Call me crazy, but I don't care if you can memorize dates or the names of the Presidents. I do care about how you are able to analyze a historical event from various perspectives, draw conclusions from the outcomes to make an impact on your own life, and critically view the current events happening in your life that have been impacted by the past. The next video helps to visually describe the concept of "thinking historically."

Why Historical Thinking Matters

Learning
//Now it is time for your blog post. As you are writing your blog, remember the guidelines you agreed to in our netiquette discussion. Also, do not just answer the questions that are listed below. Use these questions as a guide for your thinking, **do not** just type the question and answer yes or no and// //try to go more in depth.// //You will have to go back and put more depth into your blog if you just answer the questions with no extra thoughts.// //Remember this blog is not just for the eyes of your peers in the class, anyone in the world can access your blog and need to fully understand what you are talking about. This reflection is also how you show me that you completed your reading and watching assignments. Make connections to them in your blog and when you talk about them, create a hyperlink in your blog so your readers can see what you saw. Please see me if you need more guidance in posting a blog.//

After viewing both videos, complete a reflection in your blog using the questions below as a guide.


 * 1) Why is it important to look at both primary and secondary sources when analyzing an historical event?
 * 2) Why do you think we are choosing to focus more on teaching you how to think historically versus the traditional model of memorizing dates and facts in US History?
 * 3) How will you use these skills in your adult life?

Doing
//US I// Using http://www.digitalvaults.org/ find eight sources on a specific topic. Work through the Digital Vaults program to select your sources. Once you have each source critically analyze the source, notice how each source is connected to each other and telling the story of your topic. Use the questions you learned in the historical thinking videos to guide your analysis.

//Directions for using the website:// Once you are at the website, click continue on the bottom right hand side of the screen to start the program. The program will start by offering search topics. Hover over each picture to get a description of the topic. Pick a topic that sounds interesting to you by clicking on the picture. The picture will move the center of the screen and will be surrounded by dozens of sources that are linked to that picture. On the left hand side, you can limit the sources you look at by topic. Clicking on each topic will only display the topics related to the tag you selected. As you are reviewing each of the sources you can hover over a source and then click to view details on the source or to move it to the center and search for sources by that tag. Once you have chosen your topic and sources, click collect at the bottom left of the screen and start dragging your chosen sources to the bar. Once you have collected your eight sources, click create on the bottom left hand side of the screen and select to create a poster or a movie using your chosen sources. You must create a free account to save your project. To create an account, click Log in at the very bottom right of the screen. Then click on the Create Account tab. Save your project and email it to me.

After you have emailed your project to me, create another blog post and in your blog write a critical analysis of the event based on your eight sources. What historical thinking skill did you use in your analysis of your sources? As you discuss each source, make sure to note whether or not it is a primary and secondary source.

//US II// If you have not completed the digital native assignment, work through the process found under US I. If you have completed the digital natives assignment in your first class, go out on the web and find sources of your own using your known research skills, complete an analysis of the articles and post your analysis along with a picture of each source on your blog.