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History Frames

Driving Question: What are frames and how do they shape our perspectives on historical events?

What communities do we build? Why do our networks expand and contract? How has production and distribution shaped our societies? Frames can help us change how we see history by focusing our attention on different details. Before you draw conclusions, you will literally draw some pictures of communities, networks, and production and distribution systems.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain how historians use frames to make sense of history.
  2. Understand the differences among the three WHP frames.
  3. Assess how using different frames can change our understanding of historical events.

Vocab Terms:

  • community
  • distribution
  • frame
  • network
  • production
STEP 1

Opener: History Frames

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Curious about how other WH teachers introduce the frames to their students? Check out this conversation External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.

STEP 2

Introducing the Frames

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Curious about best practices for using video with your students? Look no further than our Video Guide.

Get familiar with the frames with a quick intro from historian Bob Bain. Then, put your knowledge to the test with the review activity!

Frame Concept Introduction External link

Frames help us make connections between historical events as we make sense of the past.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Getting to Know the Three Frames

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Professor Bob Bain is back to walk you through each individual frame. Complete the Frames Overview activity as you watch the three short videos below.

Communities Frame Introduction External link

All humans live in communities, and throughout history, human communities have generally grown, and frequently changed.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.

Networks Frame Introduction External link

Humans exchange ideas and goods between and within our communities. This sharing happens through systems called networks.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.

Production and Distribution Frame Introduction External link

Humans make, share, sell, and trade goods within our communities and across networks. Over time, humans have improved how we produce and distribute the stuff we need.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Closer: History Frames

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 1.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Want to extend the drawing of the frames and see student exemplars of how to do that? Read this discussion External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.