Comparison
At first glance, history can look very similar: Empires rise, expand, and fall. The end.
Historical comparison helps students look beyond surface similarities and explore how and why societies develop in different ways. These classroom-ready resources give you the tools to equip students with historical thinking skills and a framework that makes sense of how similar conditions can lead to completely different results.
How to Teach Historical Comparison: Tools for Teachers
Teacher Chat: Comparison
Blog: The Elements of Comparison: A Cold War Case Study
Teach comparison’s building blocks with Cold War cartoons so students question historical narratives and craft sharper, original contrasts.
Blog: Comparison: Not Always the Thief of Joy
We compare things all the time from prices in the grocery store to the qualities of a new phone. Explore tips for teaching students how to use these skills to analyze historical events.
Primary Sources and Comparison
Educators share ideas for incorporating primary source analysis and historical evidence into comparison activities.
Introducing Comparison Writing
Dive into this engaging teacher conversation with ideas to make historical comparison relevant for students.
Comparison Activities and Resources
Comparison: Life in 1200 and Today
Comparison: Networks of Exchange
Comparison: Egypt and Japan
Lessons
Writing Assessments to Practice Comparison
Pre-Writing: Farming vs. Foraging
DBQ Sources: Farming vs. Foraging
