Demonstrating and applying the basic tools of historical research: The US in the 20th Century


submitted by Susanne Osolin ACYR

History/Writing

Class objective

To learn how to demonstrate and apply the basic tools of historical research

Arizona Adult Education Standards

ABE Social Studies, Indicator A- demonstrates and applies the basic tools of historical research
ABE Social Studies Indicator B Recognizes key historical events, documents, cultures and figures in the world and in the United States .

ABE Writing II and III A: Applies the writing process to a variety of tasks

Materials Needed

Internet – access to Ideal United Streaming/Awesome Stories

Pencils and paper

Activity

Show video series, “History in Focus- 1900-1969”. (Each video is approximately 30 minutes long with the exception of 1950-59 and 1960-1969, which are an hour)

Students take notes and record key events during each decade.  Small writing assignment accompanies each video, in which students identify what they feel is the most relevant event of the decade, up to 1959.

Students each chose a decade which they would like to research American Cultural History find out about something which was interesting in the video. They will write a paragraph and share with the class. Students may also research on awesome stories under American History (Teachers may register for this site free)

 After completing the series (1969), a class discussion is held on the key movements of the 1960’s.  Then, each student picks a cause in which he or she may have participated in and writes an essay about it.