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History, Civics & Social Studies · Grade 5

Research Multiple Perspectives on a Historical Question

In this capstone, fifth graders investigate a compelling question: was the American Revolution revolutionary for everyone? They read Abigail and John Adams's 1776 letters, study the 1777 freedom petition led by Prince Hall, and examine the experiences of Native nations, Loyalists and Black Loyalists, then write an evidence-based argument that weighs multiple perspectives and answers a counterclaim.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 110 minutes
  • Multiple perspectives check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, put in order, sort into groups and true or false
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What learners will discover

  • Plan an inquiry into a compelling historical question and choose sources that represent multiple perspectives.
  • Analyze primary sources and summaries from different groups and explain how each creator's perspective shaped the source.
  • Write an evidence-based argument that answers the compelling question, uses multiple perspectives and responds to a counterclaim.

Lessons

  1. Framing the question 3 steps2 practiceabout 24 min
  2. Remember the Ladies 5 steps3 practiceabout 28 min
  3. Freedom, land and exile 4 steps3 practiceabout 28 min
  4. Building the argument 4 steps2 practiceabout 30 min
  5. Multiple perspectives check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 5th grade social studies

Guide for grown-ups