Focusing in on Primary Sources
Funded Oct 30, 2009What a difference this document camera has made! Students are now able to present their analysis of artifacts and primary source documents to the class, and all students can see!
In the first picture, the document camera is being used to project a 1918 school attendance book from our school district. It is open to the page showing the school was closed from October 9th to November 18th by the Board of Health. The second picture shows all students able to see it and analyze that document. Due to the age and condition of the book, it can't be passed around. The zoom allows us to focus on particular dates, and we were able to turn pages and compare other dates for attendance leading up to the closure. This is a far more authentic and engaging way to teach the 1918 Flu Pandemic and the local impact of this global event.
Other pictures show student-chosen artifacts being shown to the class: a fragile tea glass from Turkey and a native-woven cedar basket. The student presenters were able to change views and point out details. They were also able to take pictures of their artifacts.
This document camera will allow our class to view and manipulate artifacts and primary sources that otherwise could not be used due to size and fragility. Since there is a camera, we can also keep a digital record of these "finds" for future use, and do our part to preserve our history.
This camera has already made a difference, and I thank you all for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Watson