We the Diverse People: Cultural Encounters in the Pacific Northwest
Laurie Mercier
"Using Online Primary Resources in the Classroom"
The investigative nature of historical research allows students to become detectives searching for the truth. The interactive historical resources on the Internet offer the opportunity for the student detective to practice "reading between the lines". The investigation will lead the student to consider the context (the historical period, the author's perspective, intended audience, etc.) in which it was written, as well as, develop some tentative conclusions based on what seems most plausible given available information. The vast array of primary sources available online is a great resource for both students and teachers.
Activity 1: Interpreting Written Primary Sources
Examine two documents from the Columbia river Basin Ethnis History Archive to learn about African American community institutions in Washington state during the period of 1938-1945.
Columbia River Basin Ethnic History Archive
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/crbeha
- Click on the tutorials, written documents section
- Select either the two documents describing "Folkways" or the Memory Book of the Hanford Church
- Skim through thedocument(s) to address the following question: Based on this source, how would you describe African american community institutions in Washington in the mid-twentieth century?
Activity 2: Interpreting the Lewis & Clark Journals:
Review a section of the Journals of Lewis & Clark to understand how the American explorers interacted with the Indian peoples they encounteres in the Pacific Northwest.
Lewis & Clark among the Indians of the Pacific Northwest:
http://libarts.wsu.edu/history/Lewis_Clark/LCEXP_mn.html
- Click on Journal excerpts.
- Investigate a one-week period between Sept. 20 to Nov. 30, 1805.
- Answer questions regarding the interactions and encounters of the party with others, as well as, the intentions of the parties.
Themes and topics explored in the 2003 Summer Institute can be found here.
Washington State University, Vancouver | Center for Columbia River History
Evergreen School District | Klickitat School District | Vancouver School District
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