Take a new tack on teaching U.S. history:
Have your students examine primary sources for clues.
Suggest that they consider "facts" as "evidence."
Show them how to follow the trail of the thought processes of historians for solutions.
Turn them into sleuths unraveling the mysteries of U.S. history!
What better way to engage students in grades 7 through 12 than to encourage them to investigate history as a puzzle, a set of dilemmas, a collection of conflicting viewpoints—in short, a mysterious and provocative subject. Expert investigators themselves, David Gerwin and Jack Zevin have assembled a collection of cases—both "real" mysteries and purposely constructed classroom problems—with techniques for solving them. In addition, they have incorporated these major features to help you to teach:
- rankings for "history mysteries" as minor, medium, or major in complexity
- methods for drawing students into problem solving to promote literacy
- guidelines and examples for "manufacturing" mysteries
- classroom activities and decision-making exercises, including "Detective Work" and "You Decide"
- consistent use of materials that promote higher-order thinking skills (analysis, interpretation, viewpoint, and judgment).
Build a new attitude toward the study of history. Present it as hands-on involvement, subject to interpretation, uncertain in many respects, inviting new viewpoints and meanings. Teach history as mystery. And have fun, too!
