Seven Wise Resources: Part Four

DocsTeach and Archives.gov

What are 'DocsTeach' and 'The National Archive'? 

DocsTeach is a website which puts its focus on primary documents. It categorizes them so they can easily be found with keywords, and they are ever expanding. There are currently more than 10,000 documents on their website. The website also offers some lesson plans revolving around specific documents.

Archives.gov comes hand in hand with DocsTeach, as they are connected. The National Archives has a section for educator resources, where you will find a number of different helpful resources. Among these are National History Day resources, working with primary sources worksheets, and opportunities for visiting students in the classroom.

What Is It Good For? 

DocsTeach is best for its primary documents, and the lesson guides that come with them. On their lesson plans, they even have a classification system that includes the lesson's placement on Bloom's Taxonomy, what historical era it takes place in, what grade level it is best for, and what thinking skills the lesson employs.

Archives.gov offers a number of worksheets for analyzing many different types of primary sources, including photographs, maps, videos, and more. They also have worksheets for students who are ELL or novices, which is incredibly helpful. 

What Would A Typical Class Using 'DocsTeach' and 'Archives.gov' Look Like? 

I will be using the lesson template for Two Versions of FDR's Infamy Speech to expand on what a typical lesson looks like.

Firstly, you will have the students analyze the document(s). On a computer, they can analyze it as closely as they need, and there is a brief description of the document as well as guiding discussion questions to follow it. (Now would also be a good time to employ the worksheets from the National Archive if it is one of the first times your students are working with primary documents.)

There are suggested teaching strategies, such as when to implement this strategy in your classroom (what era you are focusing on at the time), how much time it is meant to take, what grade levels it is best for, and what types of discussions/questions students should engage with for the project.

How Am I Going to Use This? 

I found two great resources for my own unit on impeachment through the documents on DocsTeach.

Document One: A picture of Nixon as he leaves the White House following his impending impeachment. This is not only an iconic photo, but it can also open up a great discussion about Nixon's impeachment (or: lack of impeachment.)

Document Two: A video of Nixon defending his involvement in the Watergate scandal. An interesting listen, as well as something to discuss with students about a) dishonesty from public officials as well as b) the specifics of the Watergate scandal.


“Bring History to Life.” DocsTeach, www.docsteach.org/.

National Archives Education Team. “President Nixon Defends His Office on Watergate Charges.” DocsTeach, www.docsteach.org/documents/document/nixon-defends-watergate.

National Archives Education Team. “Two Versions of FDR's Infamy Speech.” DocsTeach, www.docsteach.org/activities/teacher/two-versions-of-fdrs-infamy-speech.

White House Photo Office. President Nixon Departing the White House for the Last Time. 9 Aug. 1974.

#EDU223 #WiseTeacher #Curriculum #Instruction 

Part 1, 2, 3, and 5