Help me give my students the opportunity to think creatively while challenging their logical reasoning skills as they attempt to solve some of history's greatest mysteries.
I teach a group of gifted students in grades 2-5. Gifted students love a challenge as well as the opportunity to use their creative thinking abilities along with their logical reasoning skills. Investigating mysteries from history provides opportunities to research an event in history, gain an understanding of the time period, investigate possible solutions, and learn from experts who have investigated these mysteries.
History is an abstract concept for elementary students.
Investigating a mystery will make that time period more real to the students which will deepen their understanding. My students just can't resist asking "why" and "how" something occurred. Investigating these mysteries, reading information from experts, and completing activities to aid in their research will provide the novelty that children crave and engage their brains. Using these materials in my classroom with my students will make history come alive and inspire them to investigate different time periods.
A common myth about gifted students is that they will do well no matter what; so, too often their need for novelty, creativity, reasoning, research, and critical thinking is overlooked. The truth is that without interesting "projects" and lessons many gifted students lose their love of learning because they are bored. This boredom causes them to lose interest in school. Those who never recover their love for learning typically drop out of school or do not pursue any higher education. I would like to provide a sense of wonder about history to prevent my students from becoming bored. I have them for a full day one day each week. It is my goal to sustain their desire to learn by meeting their needs through investigating mysteries from history.
Half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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