Curricula
We have developed engaging curricula focusing on different questions. (e.g. "What different ways can we define the Caribbean?", "What was the Caribbean like during the initial contact with Europeans?", "What cultural elements connect different parts of the Caribbean?") By the end of each lesson we will include inquiry-based lesson plans designed to demonstrate to teacher candidates how to formulate evidence-based responses, conduct research, and explore themes such as indigeneity, enslavement, and resistance. The lesson plans will be structured to support the development and use of historical thinking skills, such as corroboration, historical perspective taking, and contextualization. Additionally, they will include suggestions for empowering students to use these sources to effect change in their own communities.
Our aim is to promote electronic access to cultural, historical, and research materials in a common web space with a multilingual interface. We plan to showcase materials from different collections (e.g. dLOC, Newberry Library), including travel diaries, maps, atlases, and pictures, providing original digital images alongside adapted versions (transcribed, translated, etc.) to demonstrate how to make sources accessible for upper elementary through middle grade students.
Our target grade range reflects a traditional lack of emphasis on engagement with archives. By demonstrating inquiry-based lessons using archival materials, we aim to address this gap and support social studies education at FIU and Bowling Green State University.
