Researching Community History Using the Library of Congress Site and Local Resources: A School and University Collaboration
Abstract: During the 2011-2012 academic school year, a junior high school and university partnership was initiated to create a local history research project. Through a grant, teachers and professors collaborated to identify information and design the inquiry’s final product for the project. Teachers guided fifth and sixth grade students as they accessed the Library of Congress resources and town sources for research. Historical inquiry included gathering artifacts, developing interview questions, and interviewing local residents. The students analyzed primary sources to identify the growth of the town and create a video documentary that continues to be used for teaching Social Studies content.
Presider: Mehmet Ali Ozer, New Mexico State University