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Department of State : Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

Classroom Presentations


History According to Me

Students work collaboratively as history detectives, examine highlighted phrases on primary resource documents, interpret information, synthesize data, summarize their research on worksheets, and share discoveries with classmates. Documents showcase examples of Delaware laws, legislative petitions, manumission documents, tax assessments, indentures, and letters written during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Grade Level: 5-12
Time: 60 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Questions: How should historical sources be used to look for change? Is this source credible? How do I know? Does differentiating between fact and interpretation matter?


Olaudah Equiano: Kidnapped, Enslaved, and Free

Students discover the importance of reading and interpreting excerpts from an autobiography in order to learn about a persons life.

Grade Level: 4
Time: 50 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Question: How do artifacts and documents influence how history is written?


Delaware and the Federal Constitution

Interactive program enabling students to discover information about the federal convention of 1787, different points of views expressed by delegates on multiple topics such as slavery and representation, and the leadership provided by John Dickinson as a delegate and supporter of ratification.

Grade Level: 5 - 12
Time: 60 minutes
Civics Standard 1
Essential Questions: Why do different levels of government have different functions? Why should the responsibilities and powers of government be divided?
Civics Standard 2
Essential Question: What problems would arise if a government failed to adapt to changing needs and desires of the people?


Delaware Day

Students discover information about the Constitution and learn about Delawares role in its writing and ratification.

Grade Level: K - 4
Time: 45 minutes
Civics Standard 1
Essential Questions: Why is authority needed? What are obligations of authority? Why do different levels of government have different functions?


Trades and Occupations

Students examine artifacts and excerpts from documents in order to discover how Delawareans made a living during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Grade Level: 4
Time: 50 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Question: How do artifacts and documents influence how history is written?


Letter of the Law

Students examine excerpts from Delaware laws enacted during the colonial period through the early 1800s regarding slavery, manumission, and indentured servitude.

Grade Level: 5 - 12
Time: 60 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Questions: How should historical sources be used to look for change? Does differentiating between fact and interpretation matter?


Constitution and Slavery

Students explore opposing viewpoints expressed about slavery at the federal convention of 1787, interpret John Dickinson's enslavement and manumission practices, and draw conclusions about compromises.

Grade Level: 5 - 12
Time: 50 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Questions: How should historical sources be used to look for change? Does differentiating between fact and interpretation matter?


John's House

Students serve as history detectives and interpret the evolution of the Dickinson Mansion by reading highlighted phrases from primary documents.

Grade Level: 4
Time: 45 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Question: How should historical sources be used to look for change?


John Dickinson: Loyalist or Patriot?

Students read summaries about Johns life and collaboratively determine which position he chose during the American Revolution and justify their decision.

Grade Level: 4
Time: 50 minutes
History Standard 2
Essential Question: How do artifacts and documents influence how history is written?


For more information on the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Classroom Presentations, please email Madeline Dunn, Curator of Education, or call (302) 739-5316.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 18-Dec-2007 12:48:45 EST
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