Creator: Smithsonian Institution | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
The Smithsonian invites amateur historians to contribute to the massive task of transcribing their collection of written documents to make them available in digitized, searchable form. Finding authentic projects for students can be a challenge. Here, students can create an account, choose a project, and contribute their transcriptions of historic documents. Current projects include diaries, field notes, and other primary sources.
In the Classroom
A wonderful extension or enrichment project for responsible high school students, the Transcription Center allows students to interact with primary sources, learn about the importance of everyday records of the lives of those who go before us, and have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to the universe of information that will be available to future scholars. Small groups of students could share a transcription project and check each other’s before submitting, or discuss the texts they have transcribed. Students interested in independent research might find a transcription project that adds to their understanding of a particular subject. You might even consider using transcription as a community service project or an initiative in your gifted ed class.
At Home
Explore using primary sources at this site. Share with your son or daughter to use as a resource for projects.
Tags
primary sources, local history,
Subjects
American History, Gifted, Government/Civics: U.S, History & Culture: The Americas, History & Culture: World, Information Literacy/Research, Social Studies, Social Studies,