Making a Mark on History
Students will determine the importance of historical markers as well as how they help to preserve our history.
Essential Question
What is the significance of historical markers and how do they help to preserve history?
Grade(s):
- 3
- 4
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Chromebooks or iPads
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Students may choose to complete the assignment using technology such as a Chromebook or iPad to showcase what they have learned about historical markers via Google slides, Canva, etc.
Lesson Progression
Introduction
Teacher will have pictures of local historical markers on display for students to observe. Ask if any one knows what these are and whether they have ever seen them around the city. Challenge students to identify what they are, what they think their purpose or significance is, as well as what questions they have, or anything else they would like to know about the pictures.
Lesson Details
1. Choose one of the photos shared with students. Inform them that they are looking at a picture of a historical marker.
2. Explain that historical markers help to tell stories about important events or people in history. The location of the historical marker is directly correlated to the group, person, or event it commemorates.
3. There are many different kinds of historical markers and they are placed all over our country and state. The historical markers you viewed are examples of historical markers in our state.
4. Share that as a historian, Jackie J. Whitmore, the March 2024 honoree of the SC African American calendar also recognized the importance of preserving history and commemorating people and events. Share how he worked to establish historical markers in an effort to preserve his family's history.
5. More information about Jackie J. Whitmore, including a video and calendar write up can be found here.
6. Inform students that over the next couple of days, they will be researching and investigating other historical markers from across the state and that they will have an opportunity to create their own historical marker highlighting a significant event, person, or group of their choosing.
7. Choose one of the historical marker pictures to examine more closely as a class. Afterwards, students will share what they learned from reading the marker as well as why they think it is an important part of the community.
8. Display a map of all the current historical markers in the state of South Carolina. Tell students they will investigate and explore at least 3 historical markers from the map. Students will record "What the marker teaches us", "Why is it important", and "Why should it be commemorated or celebrated" in the chart provided.
Teacher Notes
Enrichment Activity: Students create a historical marker that celebrates the impact and the importance of an African American individual, group, or event. Things they should consider are: When it was established, What makes it interesting, and What would be the impact in the community.
The historical marker lesson listed as a resource can also be used as an enrichment activity or to further challenge students to extend their learning.
Remediation: Students can work in pairs or small groups to complete the assignment/research rather than completing it individually.
Using Historical Markers to Document People, Places, and Events
In this lesson, students will research, design, and write the narrative for a historical marker. First, they will observe historical markers across the United States. Then, they will focus on markers...
View LessonCelebrating Historical Markers
View ResourceHistorical Marker Program in South Carolina
View ResourceJackie J. Whitmore-2024 SC African American Calendar March Honoree
View ResourceStandards
- ELA.AOR.10 Evaluate and critique multimedia presentations of a text or subject, including their impact on an audience.
- ELA.C.8 Through collaboration, react and respond to information while building upon the ideas of others and respecting diverse perspectives.
- ELA.AOR.10 Evaluate and critique multimedia presentations of a text or subject, including their impact on an audience.
- ELA.R.1 Use critical thinking skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of sources to obtain and refine knowledge.
- ELA.C.8 Through collaboration, react and respond to information while building upon the ideas of others and respecting diverse perspectives.
- ELA.R.1 Use critical thinking skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of sources to obtain and refine knowledge.
- ELA.C.8 Through collaboration, react and respond to information while building upon the ideas of others and respecting diverse perspectives.
Assessments
Students will record their work/research on SC historical markers in the chart provided. Students may choose to complete this electronically or with a partner. Once everyone in the class has finished, allow time for students to share which historical markers they chose to focus on, what they learned, as well as the significance of each marker.
