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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that sources can be biased and need to be evaluated. Students will examine various primary and secondary sources relative to "The Boston Massacre". Students will record their observations about the sources. Students will identify and describe the information they gather from the sources to form an opinion about the events of "The Boston Massacre". Students will write a short essay stating their opinion (thesis), citing evidence and source information to support their thesis.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Introduce "The Boston Massacre" activity as a "Cold Case" being re-opened after many years. Identify the various parties and their roles in the events of March 5, 1770.
Step 2.
Students will read and discuss their textbook section on "The Boston Massacre". Does the author come to a conclusion about the case? Does the author cite any sources in his summary of the events?
Step 3.
Provide students with the Paul Revere Engraving ""The Bloody Massacre perpetrated on King Street, Boston on March 5th, 1770" As a group record the author, date of publication, date of event, and possible motive for creating the piece. The information gathered may be easier to organize using a simple graphic organizer.
Step 4.
Provide students with additional primary source evidence listed in the Optional Web Site Links below. Repeat the investigation described in step 3.
Step 5.
Students will read the documents and highlight the parts they feel are most important. Students will write a short summary of each piece and descibe in sentence format the reliability of the evidence based on their investigations. The graphic organizer described in step three may be a good spot to record their summary and reliability statement. Attach each document to the student graphic organizer/notes.
Step 6.
Working in small groups, the students will compare and contrast the content of each piece of evidence, including their reliability statements. Each student will record their own information. Each group will discuss and/or debate their findings. A comparison/contrast graphic organizer may be helpful to organize information.
Step 7.
Students will each draft a five paragraph essay based on their findings and opinions. Paragraph one will include a thesis statement (Their idea about the events of March 5th, 1770). Paragraphs 2,3, and 4 will provide evidence supporting their thesis and comparing/contrasting sources, (this should include citations (quotes) gathered from the sources they have investigated). The 5th paragraph will restate their thesis and provide individual opinions about "The Boston Massacre".
Step 8.
Provide students with "Bloody Butchery, By The British Troops; Or The Runaway Fight Of The Regulars". Students will read the article and form opinions about it's content and accuracy. Students will discuss/debate their opinions and reflect upon if/how the Student Investigator activity has changed the way they evaluate information sources.
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