INTRO LESSONS

Intro Lessons

1. What is History? Why should we study it? Define the problems that can come from it.

• History – The study of past events and how they shape the present and future.

• Why study it? – It helps us understand why things are the way they are and avoid repeating mistakes.

• Problems:

• Distortion – Changing facts or making them seem different than they really were.

• Fragmentation – Only looking at part of the story, not the whole picture.

• Perception – People see history differently based on their background and beliefs.

• Bias – Favouring one side or point of view over another.

2. What is a primary source? What is a secondary source? How can you tell the difference?

• Primary Source – First-hand account of an event (e.g., diary, photo, letter).

• Secondary Source – Information based on primary sources (e.g., textbook, documentary).

• Difference: Primary = direct evidence; Secondary = interpretation or summary of primary sources.

3. What are the four historical thinking concepts? Identify an example for each.

• Cause and Consequence – Why something happened and what resulted from it (e.g., WWI was caused by alliances).

• Historical Significance – Why an event matters (e.g., Vimy Ridge mattered because it showed Canada’s strength).

• Continuity and Change – What stayed the same and what changed over time (e.g., women’s rights improved after WWI).

• Historical Perspective – Understanding how people in the past saw things differently than we do now (e.g., soldiers viewed war as honourable).

History: An Overview

• What is History?History is the study of past events and their impact on the present and future.

• Importance of Studying History:

  • Helps us understand current societal structures.

  • Aids in avoiding the repetition of past mistakes.

• Problems in Historical Study:

  • Distortion: Altering facts to change perception.

  • Fragmentation: Examining only parts of the historical narrative.

  • Perception: Individual backgrounds influence interpretations of history.

  • Bias: Leaning towards one perspective over others.