Intro to U.S. History Activities | Why Study History? (Grades 5–8)

Here’s what’s included in the 2-week Think Like a Historian unit

Introduction Lessons:

• Why Study History— Illustrate and explain compelling reasons to study history by creating posters and participating in a gallery walk
• What is History?— Define “history” and collaboratively make decisions about historical significance; create a brochure about personal history

Introduce Historical Thinking Skills & The Lost Colony of Roanoke Mystery 

• The Lost Colony & Reading Timelines—Explain the uses of timelines and define chronology terms; organize events about the Lost Colony of Roanoke chronologically and discuss their causes and effects.
• Reading Maps— Define map terms and identify different types of maps;analyze various maps to learn more about The Lost Colony of Roanoke 
• Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources— Define and differentiate between “primary sources” and “secondary sources;” learn more about the Lost Colony of Roanoke by analyzing primary sources
• Understanding Historical Context— Define “historical context;” analyze the Lost Colony’s historical context by sorting its influences and impacts; contextualize a historical figure by creating an identity chart 
• Examining Multiple Perspectives— Explain “historical evidence,” “corroboration,” and “historical theory;” take the perspective of a historical figure involved in The Lost Colony in a conversation with peers; summarize major historical theories about The Lost Colony. 
• Supporting Claims with Evidence— Define “evidence” and “claim;” evaluate historical evidence about Roanoke Colony; write a claim supported by historical evidence using the MEAL paragraph format.

Practice Historical Thinking Skills Again with The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart 

• The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart Part 1— Use historical thinking skills (reading timelines and maps, analyzing primary sources, and understanding historical context) to examine the mystery of Amelia Earhart
• The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart Part 2— Use historical thinking skills (examining multiple perspectives and supporting claims with evidence) to examine the mystery of Amelia Earhart

Think Like a Historian Unit: Help For The Teacher

• Table of contents (also available in the preview)
• Suggested pacing guide
• 10 lesson plans
• Answer Keys (Of course!)
• Editable end-of-unit test and study guide
• Easy printing file with all student worksheets and articles
• Slideshow to introduce The Lost Colony

Preview the Historical Thinking Skills activities 

Download a PDF preview.

How to Use in the Classroom

This unit has 10 lessons, each with 45 – 60 minutes of activities. However, if you use this unit during the first month of school, you may want to budget extra time. (I’ve found that lessons typically take longer at the beginning of the year.) 

For 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students

The unit articles and task cards are written at a 7th-8th grade reading level. If you teach one of those grades, your students will be able to complete the activities more or less independently.

If you teach 5th or 6th grade, I recommend reading and analyzing the articles with your students. They will do great! Check out the reviews to see how teachers at your grade level have successfully used and loved this unit.

In-Person & Remote Learning

I designed this unit to be printed out and used in an in-person classroom. 

However, the unit can also be taught remotely. I have created a Google Slides resource for each lesson. Each resource contains student instructions, student worksheets with editable text boxes, and articles/task cards, if applicable. Teachers can assign Google Slides via Google Classroom.

Traditional Classroom vs. Homeschooling

This Think Like a Historian Unit was designed to be used in a traditional school setting. Almost every lesson includes some type of group work with peers. The activities are interactive and often get kids out of their seats. 

That being said, many homeschooling parents successfully use my units. Before purchasing, know that some lessons must be modified for homeschooling settings.

This Think Like a Historian Unit also includes digital access via Google Slides.

I have created a Google Slides resource for each lesson. Each resource contains student instructions, student worksheets with editable text boxes, and articles/task cards, if applicable. Teachers can assign Google Slides via Google Classroom.

This Unit is For You If: 

You are a new teacher who wants a high-quality unit for teaching historical thinking skills. Nail it right out of the gate by using an easy-to-implement unit that leaves your students asking for more.  

You have been teaching for years but need fresh ideas for teaching historical thinking skills. You are always seeking to improve your craft and incorporate higher-level skills.  

You want to spend less time preparing for lessons. You want a solution that is easy to prep and teach. 

This Unit is NOT For You If: 

You prefer only PowerPoint lectures and notes. The activities in this unit are varied and interactive. Students will often be getting out of their seats and working with others.