Unit 1: Redefining World Society and Culture

Lesson A: Thinking Like a Historian

Activity 1: Why Study History?

The tools a historian uses to interpret evidence and decide what happened in the past include sourcing, close reading for perspective and bias, contextualizing, and corroboration.

Directions: View the following presentation to learn about and practice the skills historians use. Before you begin, download the Student Resource: Historical Thinking Questions Graphic Organizer. As you view the presentation, record the questions you should ask when you look at evidence on the Historical Thinking Questions Graphic Organizer. You will assess your understanding of the skills by taking a short quiz at the end of the presentation. When you are ready select the Play button.

Student Resource: Historical Thinking Skills Graphic Organizer (doc)