Getting kids excited and interested in History!! Relating it to things they know and can wrap their heads around. And of course...making it cool!

1. 8/12/2015 Bell Ringer
1. Why do you think
that is?
2. What is your
attitude toward
history?
Studies show that middle and high
school students believe history is
the most irrelevant subject…

3. History Matters
• History is the study of the past so
that one can learn about their
position in the present.
• In other words….How did I get
here?
• In order to understand how a
person has arrived in the place and
setting that they are in, it is
important to learn about the events
and situations that have shaped
and influenced our community,
society, and human condition.

4. Why is History cool?
• In 2014, the film (movie) industry made $564
billion in revenue!!!
• How many movies do you think have been made
based on historical events?
– Before the year 2000, approximately 211 movies
– Since the year 2000, approximately 221 movies
• Why do you think over 500 movies have been
based on historical events?

7. 1. What does this statement mean?
2. What does the word ‘weapon’ mean here?

8. • You will spend a few minutes reading the
short article entitled “History is a Weapon”.
• At the end of the article, it says “History is
just one tool to shape our understanding
of our world. And every tool is a weapon if
you hold it right.”
• In your own words, write what you think
the quote above means.

9. “History is just one tool to shape our
understanding of our world. And every
tool is a weapon if you hold it right.”

10. History is a Weapon
• What are some examples you can
think of when history was used as
a weapon?
• FYI…In today’s lesson, the word
“weapon” refers to the tool of
empowerment, not violence
against people or communities.

11. History Is Your Weapon... So
use it!!
• Be open to new ideas
• Be open to many perspectives
• Be knowledgeable about the history of
our community and others
• Be willing to learn from the mistakes
of the past to better everyone’s future

12. Assessment
• Think about a time when you made a decision,
not knowing that your decision would lead to a
bad consequence.
• If you would have thought about the
consequences of your decision, could you have
used it as a weapon to protect yourself from the
bad decision?
• How could you use your own history as a
weapon?
“Without History, there would be no Future”