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To introduce analysis of primary documents to sixth through eighth grade students in preparation for History Fair’s theme, “Breaking Barriers in History”

Students will examine "Independence and the Opening of the West" by Thomas Hart Benton. They will analyze its content, use visual thinking strategies and draw conclusions about the art work.

The Truman administration was no stranger to the sneers and jeers of political cartoonists. Facing such controversial issues as the desegregation of the armed forces, dropping of the atomic bomb, the cold war, the fair deal, the Republican takeover of Congress, and the 1948 presidential campaign, political and editorial cartoons were commonplace. President Truman, no matter how scathing, always professed a fondness for the cartoons and became an avid collector of them in his post-presidential years.

Students will read and assess letters of former President Harry Truman to understand what was transpiring in his life during the time he spent in the army during World War One.

This activity will give students an awareness of the types of documents that advisors consider as they advise a president. Their analysis will help them see the different viewpoints to consider.

Students will compare and contrast First Ladies

Students will be tasked with researching, analyzing, and creating a paper over the influence of a First Lady of the United States.

Students will learn about the First Ladies of the United States and the social causes they championed. Using primary and secondary sources, students will research a First Lady and then share their findings with others.

Finding primary sources, students will work together as a class to create a master "deck of cards" for 13 first ladies. Students will work together in pairs (or alone - teacher choice) to research assigned first ladies(s)