Lesson Plan
Teaching with Primary Sources: Middle School
Students examine primary source documents in order to reconstruct the immigration story of the Confino family, who lived on the Lower East Side between 1913 and 1916. Through this investigation, students learn how primary source documents can help us understand people, places, and events from the past.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand that primary source documents can help us understand people, places, and events from the past.
- Think critically about historic records.
- Make inferences based on information introduced by a primary source.
- Learn how to compile research in order to get a more complete understanding of the past.
Grade Levels
Middle School | Grades 6-8
Duration
1‐3 class periods
Related Programs
All, Uses content from Meet Victoria
Essential Questions
- How do historians learn about the past?
- How can primary source documents help us to understand the past?
Materials
(see appendix)
- Confino Family Portrait
- Zecharia Family Portrait
- Primary Source Guide
- Primary Source Guiding Questions
- Primary Source Packet
Vocabulary
- Primary source
- Immigrant
- Ship manifest
- Census
- Naturalization
Questions on lessons and activities?
The materials on this page can enrich a visit to the Museum or help you teach about immigration. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us.
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