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Posted by: Cheryl Lederle
Einstein Teacher Fellow Lesley Anderson shows how to use scientific illustrations to learn more about the attributes of animals such as bats.
Posted in: Science Technology and Math
Posted by: Danna Bell
As we were designing our series of posts on information literacy we were drawn to the American Association of School Librarians “Standards for the 21st Century Learner.” These standards focus on the importance of students being effective readers, not just of printed text but also of images, video and sound recordings.
Posted in: Development of the Industrial United States (1877-1914), Industrial United States, World Wars and the Great Depression (1914-1945), Science Technology and Math
Posted by: Cheryl Lederle
During recent Library of Congress summer teacher institutes, teachers of all grade and ability levels discussed ways to engage students in close observation of primary sources. They agreed that close observation is crucial to deep analysis and a key component of identifying and citing evidence from a primary source. One easy technique to help students improve their observation skill is to use sticky notes.
Posted in: Teaching Strategies
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
How can students be inspired to look closely--and think carefully--while they observe?
Posted in: Teaching Strategies, Teaching Tools
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
Primary sources from the online collections of the Library of Congress can be powerful instructional tools. Analyzing these photos, films, maps, and audio recordings can help students engage with content, build their critical thinking skills, and construct knowledge.
Posted in: Teaching Strategies, Teaching Tools
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
How can we help students develop close observation skills?
Posted in: Teaching Strategies, Teaching Tools
Posted by: Colleen Smith
In the March/April 2025 issue of Social Education, the journal of the National Council for the Social Studies, our “Sources and Strategies” article highlighted a political cartoon that appeared in the September 22, 1909, issue of Puck Magazine. The image, “Lights and Shadows”, contains a wealth of opportunities for students to explore connections between the environment, politics, economics, and public health.
Posted in: Development of the Industrial United States (1877-1914), Science Technology and Math, Teaching Strategies
Posted by: Colleen Smith
Among the many types of primary sources included in the Cold War primary source set, items from the Congressional Record uniquely offer a glimpse into legislative decision making from the Cold War Era, as it was happening. Students can examine how elected officials spoke about, debated, and voted on issues of the era.
Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted by: Colleen Smith
The new Cold War Primary Source Set explores aspects of the Cold War era, including the ways in which a fear of nuclear attack was communicated in everyday life. Examine and analyze messaging from two Cold War Era films about nuclear attacks and how people should respond.
Posted in: Contemporary United States (1945-present)