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Enrichment

Living History Activity – Life in the Time of COVID19 scrapbook/journal

Introduction:

History is a constantly evolving process. It happens every day, everywhere, with most of it going unnoticed. Often, we don’t even know about its importance until well after it takes place. But, sometimes, something big happens we get to experience first-hand! The COVID19 Pandemic of 2020 is one of those events, and YOU get to live through it and see its direct impact!

Activity:

              Using the internet, local and national newspapers, and magazines, begin a collection of articles that document how the current pandemic is affecting society.

                           Ask questions to guide your search…like the examples below.

                                         -When did the first news about COVID19 emerge?

                                         -How did government react to early information about the virus?

                                         -Does it compare to similar disease outbreaks in the past?

                                         -Have all governments dealt with it in the same way?

                                         -If not, what are some differences?

                                         -What changes have occurred in society (local, national, global)?

              Be sure to make note of publication dates, sources, and possible biases that sources may have concerning the topic. Don’t look at this activity as something with a determined end, but a project that will continue to grow as history shapes the world around us.

The Spanish Flu

We’re living during a historic time, to say the least. But, despite what the news is saying, its not unprecedented. The last time an illness had this type of impact was almost exactly 100 years ago: The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919. History.com gives a little background of that devasting disease that came at the end of one of history’s most devastating wars.

Notable Pandemics in History

Disease is certainly not a new thing on the world stage. World history is peppered with stories of illness. Some, like the plagues of the 14th century, almost seem like something out of a movie. History.com gives us a look at several notable pandemics in world history in this article.

World War I "The Great War"

World War I defined what the 19th century was, and determined the course of the 20th and 21st centuries. In other words, its important for any student of history and anyone trying to see what the future might hold for us.

Christmas Truce of 1914

Its been a century since the Great War ended. In many ways, World War I changed the world as we know it today. What always stands out to me is the humanity that shined through the darkness. The Christmas Truce of 1914 demonstrated the stark contrasts that exist in the human heart from one day to another.

C.I.A. World Fact Book

A ton of information pertaining to every nation on the planet compiled by our own Central Intelligence Agency. This is a great tool for researching a country’s government, economy, demographics, resources….all kinds of stuff!

Oklahoma Historical Society

The online home of the Oklahoma Historical Society gives insight to the past of our state, current research, and info about the numerous museums located across the Sooner State.

Oklahoma Archeological Survey

The Oklahoma Archeological Survey, based out of the University of Oklahoma, leads research into archeological digs sites across the state. It definitely shows how our state’s history DID NOT begin in 1907...but much, much earlier!

Worldhistory.net

Worldhistory.net is a great collection of a historical articles and timelines from across the globe.

US Debt Clock

When you see the insane amount of money governments spend to stay in power, and then realize how it directly impacts your life, you can see why a basic understanding of economics is important.

Find a Grave

Any student in my history class will tell you that I love genealogy! It’s important to remember that your family history IS world history. Find-a-grave is an awesome resource for locating the grave location of nearly anyone in the United States. Plus, they’ve added directories for a large number of foreign locations. 

Civilwar.com

If you had family living in the United States before 1865, there’s a big chance you have a direct link to the most impactful event in American history: the Civil War. Why a direct link? Many of you, like myself, had family members fight, or even die in the Civil War. Civilwar.com is a comprehensive look at the causes, battles, generals, technology, and impact of this incredibly important conflict.

The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institute offers a look into America’s history and culture that very few organizations can match. We know of their superb museum, but, their website is pretty good too. 

At Home History Activities from Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institute, via their kid page, has a variety of grade level appropriate history activities that students can try at home.

Crash Course

Crash Course is a Youtube channel that excells at producing great content for a number of academic subjects, but especially history! AP US History students should definitely take advantage of these great videos. John Green is a well known author, and does a fantastic job discussing historical topics.

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