Plimoth Plantation - Thanksgiving Interactive: You are the Historian
Details
Activity Description
In this fun, award-winning activity, students take on the role of "history detectives" to investigate what really happened at the famous 1621 celebration. Along the way, they will read a letter written by an eyewitness to the event, learn about Wampanoag traditions of giving thanks, and visit Pilgrim Mary Allerton’s home.
As you work through this guide, you and your students will use the skills of historians to peel away the layers of myth and misconception surrounding The First Thanksgiving and discover what might really have happened during the fall of 1621. Along the way, you and your students will explore the differences between history and the past, and challenge your own ideas about history. Be prepared; what you discover may surprise you!
Preparation
- Review the Teacher's Guide for detailed information about this lesson.
- Go through the interactive yourself, first to decide which sections to include in your lesson and which to omit.
- Print Primary Sources 3 2 1 Graphic Organizer (pdf) if you want to use it.
- Make sure that the site is not blocked at your school before using it with students. If it is blocked, follow these directions to download the application and play it from your hard drive:
- At the site, scroll down the page to locate and save the file OLC_Install.zip [zip] to your hard drive and un-zip the contents.
- Once the You are the Historian folder is uncompressed, double-click the Start_Here.html file contained inside to begin using the application.
- The computer(s) used for viewing the interactive will need:
- Adobe Flash Player
- Internet Explorer 8 or later
- Firefox 3 or later
- Speakers or headphones - make sure your volume is turned up
- For best viewing, set your screen resolution to 1024x768
Teacher Tips
There is much more in this class than can be described here. This is a very complete lesson which is divided into two classes. The graphics, videos, charts, and primary sources are excellent.
- Emphasize inquiry over memorization.
- Encourage students to question assumptions.
- Model source evaluation skills.
- Discuss respectful treatment of Indigenous history.
- Focus on evidence-based conclusions.
More Ways
- Create a historical timeline
- Compare textbook accounts with primary sources
- Research modern Wampanoag communities
- Develop a "Myth vs. Fact" presentation
- Conduct a mock historian panel discussion
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Diploma
