How do clues from the past inform us about history?

Pack your bags...we're going on an expedition! Our students have traded the job of scientist for that of a historian. They are discovering how clues from the past inform us about history. To kick off our expedition, the students witnessed a surprise disruption in our classroom (the specials teachers ran into our classroom tracking down a "mouse"). Through this disruption, the students learned about primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are recorded by a person who witnessed the event and secondary sources are recorded by someone who has gained knowledge about the event. After comparing the primary sources they wrote about the event to the secondary sources their family wrote, it was discovered that primary sources are more authentic compared to secondary sources.

To apply the student's learning to the real world, the students are historians of the Highlands Ranch Mansion. During fieldwork at the mansion, they will examine primary and secondary sources to learn about the history of the mansion. Then, they will use their knowledge to create a children's tour guide for the mansion to use during tours. Our first fieldwork opportunity brought excitement to our crew, and we cannot wait to visit again!