CSI in the History Classroom

Recently I did a lesson on the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York in the 1900s. Before, I had taught this showing a picture and telling the students what happened. This time, I decided to switch it up. I did a picture method that I learned from Glenn Wiebe, ESSDACK extraordinnaire. This is where you take a picture, crop it, and then reveal a small portion of the photo little by little. This builds up the excitement. When I did it, I allowed them to guess at each moment, and questioned them. It's best to use a photo that won't be obvious and could be multiple different situations.

After revealing it, I let them still guess what it was, without telling them. I then had them write questions they had about the photo. They did this in partners, but could be done alone. Then, I had a bunch of primary sources that I spread around the room and had them "dig in." The result was incredible. As I was walking around listening to the groups, they had more and more questions and information. I told them to keep writing down their questions and keep searching for more answers. When the bell rang, they didn't want to go, they wanted to keep talking about the fire. I realized this was one of the more productive lessons I have done. The students were able to have a great conversation and take the learning farther.

Link for primary sources:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/supplemental/bibliography.html