Zoom-In: Letter

Understanding Goal

Letters, diaries and journals can tell us about history.

Investigative Question

How might primary sources help us become better writers?

Analysis of Student Learning

Participants vocalize their interpretations of the image at each interval as the more and more of the image is presented. Interpretations change quickly as more of the picture is revealed and participants casually debate the merits of the various suggestions about the image. Participants easily reach the conclusion that interpretations vary given the material presented and the viewpoint of the person interpreting. Participants also recognize the wealth of clues into a situation that can be deciphered by close examination and consideration of a primary source.