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History Stories

Driving Question: Why does it matter what stories we tell about the past?

Where does history begin? Every story about the past starts at a different point—one that fits its unique narrative. Although a simple version of history is easier to consider, the story would be incomplete. This lesson challenges you to explore multiple perspectives and discover how they shape our understanding of history.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the purpose of history and the types of evidence historians use.
  2. Watch videos critically for claim and evidence.
  3. Evaluate how changing perspectives changes our understanding of a narrative.

Vocab Terms:

  • evidence
  • history
  • narrative
  • perspective
STEP 1

Opener: History Stories

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 1 of the Lesson 1.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Openers and Closers Guide will provide more information about these short-but-important activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.

STEP 2

Looking Ahead

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out our Writing Guide to learn more about the importance of informal writing in the course.

STEP 3

Making Videos and History Usable

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 1.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Looking for tips on using video in an instructionally sound way? Look no further than the OER Project Video Guide.

Can videos unlock a deeper understanding of history? Watch this video on the purpose of history and see for yourself!

What Makes History Usable External link

Discover how your city's history connects the past, present, and future. Watch this video to see the bigger picture!

Key Ideas

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

Why Do Multiple Perspectives Matter?

Teaching Tools

The Ultimate Face-Off: The Historian, the Author—and the AI?

  • Students ask historical questions about their community, as described in the video What Makes History Usable?
  • Then, students share what they already know, identifying differences in their perspectives.
  • Next, they craft an AI prompt to answer the same question.
  • Compare AI’s response to the students’ stories and discuss its strengths and gaps.
  • Finally, connect this to Chimamanda Adichie’s idea of “the danger of a single story.”

Why this works: Students compare human and AI storytelling, gaining insights into historical interpretation, multiple perspectives, and the value—and limitations—of AI-generated knowledge.

The stories we hear and tell shape how we see the world. That’s why exploring multiple perspectives is key! After watching the video below, compare the viewpoints of both narrators.

The Danger of a Single Story External link

What’s so “dangerous” about story telling? Author Chimamanda Adichie reveals how the stories we tell—and hear—shape our view of the world.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Closer: History Stories

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of the Lesson 1.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Extension Materials
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Use this activity as an alternative to the guiding questions offered with The Danger of a Single Story video. It’s a great opportunity for partner or group work!
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Exploring Multiple Perspectives