History in the Making: How Documents Shape Understanding
My project needs 2 sets of the book series entitled "A History of U.S.: The Story of America," and supplemental resources for generating, analyzing, and reviewing historical information and documents.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Eber's classroom raised $586
This project is fully funded
Have you ever wondered how we know that historical understandings are accurate or whether they have been created using the information we have available to us? After all, if none of us were there when Columbus landed his ship or the Constitution was signed, how can we be sure that those events happened the way we've been told in our history books? These are the types of questions that I commonly get from my high-achieving fifth grade students. I teach in a school-wide Title I school in an Atlanta suburb where the majority of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch because they have inadequate economic means. School provides a definite escape from the challenges my students face at home, and surrounded by the walls of my classroom, they are incredibly motivated to learn.
My students are beginning to take an interest in social studies, particularly when we break away from the textbook and incorporate other resources. They ask rich questions with difficult answers, and while I would love to teach them to think like young historians, they don't have access to the kinds of resources that would enable them to do that. They haven't been exposed to primary sources, and they don't know how to locate or interpret the kinds of materials generated by actual historical figures.
My project remedies that need in a variety of ways. The books that I am requesting include examples of primary and secondary sources which students will be able to analyze and interpret. My students will engage in the work of real historians - the kind that engage in critical thinking and draw conclusions based on the facts presented rather than just learning history by rote. Students will learn that historical information may be gleaned from multiple formats - interviews, photographs, diaries, letters, documents, and newspapers - and that all have important contributions to and limitations on our understanding of history. While we may not know all of the "truths" about history, students will learn the important skills necessary to synthesize information and reach the best possible conclusion based on the information available.
As we enter the information age, there is no question that students will need to be able to analyze, synthesize, and think critically about texts from different sources. These skills are important in generating an educated population capable of democratic decision-making. Your support will enable my highly motivated students to improve those skills and realize that few issues are simply black and white. By seeing the different resources involved in making sense of history, my students will be better at weighing different perspectives and considering all information before drawing conclusions. I am certain that these skills will be vitally important for younger generations, and your support will go a long way in supporting instruction in these skills.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Office Depot(R) Brand Plain Paper Copier Transparency Film With Strip, Pack Of 100
• Office Depot Inc.
$28.49
1
$28.49
A History of the US: 11 Volume Set (History of US Series ) Joy Hakim
• Barnes and Noble
$157.90
2
$315.80
A Young People's History of the United States, Vol. 1: Columbus to the Robber Barons Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
• Barnes and Noble
$13.56
1
$13.56
A Young People's History of the United States, Vol. 2: The Spanish-American War to the War on Terror Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
• Barnes and Noble
$14.36
1
$14.36
CHALKBOARD TOPPER U.S. HISTORY LINE. GR. 4-9+ TIME LINE
• Teacher's School Supply
$9.92
1
$9.92
AMAZING FACTS IN U.S. HISTORY GR. 5-8+
• Teacher's School Supply
$14.95
1
$14.95
Materials cost
$397.08
Vendor shipping charges
$39.71
Sales tax
$15.88
3rd party payment processing fee
$9.93
Fulfillment labor & materials
$17.00
Total project cost
$480.00
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$105.37
Total project goal
$585.37
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$585.37
3 Donors
-$564.71
Donations toward project cost
-$480.00
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Eber and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
