Primary Sources, Student Activities, Teacher Reference Materials
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Common Core Standards:
- 9-10.RH.8, 9-10.RH.9, 11-12.RH.1, 11-12.RH.2, 11-12.RH.3, 11-12.RH.7, 11-12.RH.9, 9-10.WHST.2
- State Standards:
- Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science
Grade 5: Topic 1 (5.T1) #7, #7A
High School - US History I: Topic 4 (USI.T4) #1, #2, #2A, #2B
Students practice using primary sources to support a historical argument.
Procedure
- Teacher introduces students to the difference between primary and secondary sources. (Definitions are included in student materials.)
- Students read the first part of this webpage - Women's Revolutionary Resistance to Slavery.
- Students choose two or more newspaper advertisements to read (second part of the webpage).
- Prompt students to identify primary and secondary source text from the webpage.
- Students use two advertisements and their knowledge of history to answer guiding questions from the student materials packet.
A Note on Language
Over the course of American history, the language used to describe Black people has changed and most likely will continue to change. Be sure to discuss with students that some of the primary sources use outdated terms as well as racist, sexist, and offensive language to describe Black people. We recommend developing a plan or guidelines to ensure a respectful, reflective classroom discussion.Materials
Student Materials: Guiding questions and vocabulary definitions.
Teacher Materials: Expanded version of background information. Notes/tips on reading historic newspaper advertisements.
Last updated: February 25, 2023