Digital History in the Classroom

Digital history can bring real excitement into the elementary, middle, and high school history classroom. By allowing students to explore the raw materials of our past, the Valley of the Shadow and Virtual Jamestown sites teach students how to engage actively in the construction and interpretation of American history.

Each of the activities and lessons includes the following:

instructional objectives from The National Center for History in the Schools, The National Council for the Social Studies, and the Virginia Standards of Learning.
student activity sheets that can be printed and reproduced in advance
links to relevant sections of the Valley of the Shadow Archive, Virtual Jamestown, and other sites
suggestions for assessment and extension of the lesson
a clear explanation of the equipment and computer skills required to carry out the lesson.

Activities and Lessons from Race and Place: African American Community History
Topics include slavery, secession, the impact of railroads, and common causes of death in the 19th century.

Activities and Lessons from Virtual Jamestown
Lessons include "Jobs in Jamestown," the "Jamestown Newsletter," and "Leadership in Jamestown"

Activities and Lessons from the Valley of the Shadow
Topics include slavery, secession, the impact of railroads, and common causes of death in the 19th century.

Lessons using Digital History
Developed in partnership with the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education.