BOOK 1 COVERS THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, WESTWARD EXPANSION AND WOMAN SUFFRAGE.

Primary sources are records of events as described by the people who actually experienced the events. These records provide valuable first-hand information and insights into the past. On the following pages you will find letters, historical documents, diaries, photos, examples of fine art, poetry, maps, posters, ads, and other artifacts that are classified as primary sources. Students often look at the study of history as merely a study of facts, dates, and events. They realize that many writings in textbooks are only the author’s point of view. However, by using examples of primary sources in the classroom, history will come alive for the students. They will quickly discover the way particular people felt or reacted to a historical event or situation. Through exposure to eyewitness sources, students will change the way they regard the people and events that shaped the history of our nation.

Before You Begin: Introductory Activities
Explain the use of primary sources to your students by having them examine their own primary- source artifacts. Birth certificates, school I.D. cards, report cards, award certificates, lunchroom cards, passports, diaries, yearbooks, and other personal records can be selected. The worksheet can be used to help students analyze their own primary sources and can be adapted for use with other primary sources throughout the book.

U.S. History Document-Based Activities is divided into three sections: The American Revolution, Westward Movement, and Woman Suffrage. Each section contains background information on the topic, a variety of primary sources, and challenging activities to help you integrate the artifacts into your curriculum. Through these activities, students will improve their abilities to analyze, create, discuss, hypothesize, and evaluate. These are skills that are required in state standardized tests. They are also skills that are needed by all citizens to meet the many complexities of the twenty-first century.

Included are letters, historical documents, diary excerpts, photos, cartoons, art, maps, ads, and other artifacts that are classified as primary sources. By learning how people of the periods actually felt, students will better understand the people and events that shaped the history of our nation.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 5–8.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.9

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose.

Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010