Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a variety of strategies to locate and select information for an historical investigation.

Materials and Prep

• Computer with internet access
• Pen and paper

Activities

1. Activity 1: Historical Scavenger Hunt

   Search the internet for a list of historical events or figures. Create a scavenger hunt where you have to find information about each item on the list. Write down the key details you find and present them to your parents or fellow homeschoolers.

2. Activity 2: Historical Investigation Journal

   Choose a historical topic that interests you. Create a journal where you can document your investigation. Use different strategies to locate and select information, such as reading books, watching documentaries, or interviewing experts. Write down your findings and reflections in your journal.

3. Activity 3: Historical Timeline

   Create a timeline of a specific historical period or event. Use online resources to gather information and select key dates and events to include. You can draw the timeline on paper or use digital tools to create an interactive timeline.

Talking Points

• "Today, we are going to learn how to find and select information for historical investigations."
• "When conducting historical research, it's important to use a variety of strategies to gather information."
• "One strategy you can use is searching the internet for reliable sources. Make sure to evaluate the credibility of the sources you find."
• "Another strategy is reading books or articles written by historians. These can provide in-depth information and different perspectives on the topic."
• "Documentaries and films can also be valuable sources of historical information. They often include interviews with experts and provide visual representations of the past."
• "Interviewing experts in the field can give you unique insights and firsthand accounts of historical events. You can reach out to historians, museum curators, or even family members who have personal knowledge."
• "Remember to take notes and keep track of your sources. This will help you organize your findings and properly credit the information you use in your investigations."
• "By using a variety of strategies and being thorough in your research, you will become a skilled historical investigator."