Weighing the Evidence: Historians-in-training in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

Using an inquiry approach in the elementary social studies curriculum provides opportunities for students to gain skills as historians-in-training. When the inquiry examines modified historical sources, students develop critical thinking and perspective-taking while they learn to consider the point of view, context, missing information, and possible bias. These skills are crucial to engage as informed citizens in a participatory democracy. The authors present an inquiry-based lesson about the impact of Westward Expansion. Students were supported in their exploration of historical sources to draw conclusions using evidence. The original historical sources include advertisements, petitions, photos, letters, and reports—each modified by the authors to support elementary learners. After scaffolded investigations into each source, students were tasked with answering the essential question: What was the impact of Westward Expansion?