Jacksonian Era “Trail of Tears”

Instructor:       Shelley Bunkowske (2010)
Perham High School


Description of Lesson: 

Day 1: Students will read Text material on the “Trail of Tears”, and take Cornell Notes. The students will search Early American newspapers for information about the “Trail of Tears.”

Day 2: Utilizing the research done on Day 1, students will assume the historical role of a reporter who was sent to follow the removal of the Cherokee Nation, as they are sent from their homeland to Oklahoma. In the role of reporter, students will create a poster using GLOGSTER with a minimum of 8 entries. The poster must have, eight separate entries (including the dates), pictures, maps, images, and the work cited for all sources must appear on the poster. The posters will be shared with the instructor via e-mail. [sbunkowske549@gmail.com]


Minnesota Standards:

IV. HISTORICAL SKILLS: A.   Historical Inquiry, The student will analyze historical evidence and draw conclusions.: 3. Students will compare and contrast primary sources to analyze first-hand accounts of historical events and evaluate such sources for both credibility and bias.  

4. Students will review primary and secondary sources and compare and contrast their perspectives to shape their presentation of information relevant to their research topic.  

5. Students will understand the historical context of their research topic and how it was influenced by, or influenced, other historical events.  

6. Students will evaluate alternative interpretations of their research topic and defend or change their analysis by citing evidence from primary and secondary sources.

2.  Monographs, scholarly journals, periodical literature, newspapers, web sites, films, other electronic media.


Objective:

Students will gain understanding in the use of newspapers as a primary sources, Students will gain understanding in comparing a textbook (secondary source to a primary source (newspaper), Students will use critical thinking skills by analyzing the evidence presented in both the primary and secondary sources.


Time:  2 class periods (75 minutes)

Materials and Resources Needed

1.  Textbook, Jacksonian Era, “Trail of Tears”

2.  Computer Access:

http://edu.glogster.com/   (FREE Teacher Access Program)

Early America Newspapers 1690-1876 (Newsbank) (Access will be provided by instructor)

Questions? Contact Project Director Audrey Shafer-Erickson

This site sponsored by Minnesota State University Moorhead