The National Archives Digital Collection offers teachers and students a free resource for pictures, articles, and databases. No matter what subject is being studied there is something to be found through the archives. Pictures can be downloaded and printed. Articles are available for information. Old documents such as the US Constitution and Bill of Rights are readable in digitized or transcripted format.
Teachers can bring events such as the Great Depression, WWI and WWII, floods and flu pandemics alive through pictures. The downloaded pictures can be incorporated into a Power Point presentation. Students can go online to the National Archives and explore all aspects of American history.
Students and teachers in civics and government classes will find a plethora of information about the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Items not normally incorporated into the classroom, such as the Wright Brothers original patent are available for free.
Looking for ideas involving teaching with documents? The National Archives has just what you are looking for. From the American Revolution to Modern Day America, lesson plans and ideas are available free for teachers. Check out the Teaching with Documents resources for teachers on the National Archives website.
Have students research the bill of rights. They can choose the amendment that most interests them. Locate the original on the National Archives website. Find photographs or documents located in the archives to further illustrate the amendment. For example, if women’s suffrage is the topic chosen, then students can read the information on the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote in 1920.
Ask students to research the 16th amendment. How did this amendment impact families in 1913? How does it impact families now?
Amendment 25 clarifies what happens if the president cannot perform his duties. It was ratified in 1967. Do you think the assignation of President Kennedy had an impact on the passing of this amendment?
Other projects can incorporate Presidential speeches, pictures of WWI and WWII war birds, photos of other wars and police actions, immigration records of notable people such as Eva Gabore.
Students can gain knowledge through pictures and articles found in the National Archives Digital Collection. Online databases such as WWII enlistments, Dawes Rolls, and information about the Panama Canal’s construction are there for the taking. Students will learn how to conduct a search using several of the search engines located on the Archives website.
The National Archives Digital Collection is a resource that teachers and students should not pass up. It is free and the collection is extensive. This is one of the most under utilized resources available to educators and students. Take a look to see what new information you can bring to the classroom.