Library of Congress: Using Primary Sources: African-American Soldiers in the Civil War or other events
Details
Main Website:
Activity Website:
Tech Product/Equipment:
Computer and projector, Mobile devices for students
Activity Description
For this activity, students read about the experience of African American soldiers during the Civil War. After reading the overview students read a primary sources from that time, write about it and share it with their class
Preparation
- Make sure the site is not blocked at your site.
- Become familiar with the site, African-American Soldiers During the Civil War.
- Go over the assignment document, Using Primary Sources: American American Soldiers During the Civil War.
- Make copies as needed.
How-To
- Discuss the overview.
- Go over how to summarize.
- Choose one of the Primary Sources and read it as a class. Discuss what it adds to your understanding of the event.
- There is a second link to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad that can also be used. If students use this site, they will use the Reward Poster as their primary source.
- Have students use one of the primary sources listed, and fill out the assignment.
- Have students select one of the events. They can then pair up to read more about it. There are also other events they might like to learn about. African American History
- Each student can then write a summary of what they learn.
- Students can then present their summaries to the class.
Teacher Tips
- Use heterogeneous grouping to support all learners.
- Pre-teach key vocabulary (soldier, freedom, equality, rights).
- Provide sentence frames for lower-level students.
- Use this lesson during:
- Black History Month
- Units on U.S. history or civil rights
More Ways
Use the website for a timeline From Slavery to Civil Rights. Pose questions about the different events. Have students divide up and illustrate events. Together create a timeline to post on a bulletin board.
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
