Photographic Perspectives

Photography serves as a poignant story of the past, offering visual narratives that transcend time and space. Through the lens of historical photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into pivotal moments, societal shifts, and individual experiences frozen in time. These images capture the essence of historical events, from wars and revolutions to everyday life, allowing students to empathize with the people and their stories. 

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Photographs and Truth

Compelling Question

Do photographs tell the truth?

About the inquiry

Photography serves as a crucial form of historical evidence, offering visual records that provide insights into the past. Through the lens of historical photographs, we gain direct access to moments in time, witnessing pivotal events, societal changes, and the everyday lives of people. These images act as primary sources that capture the details of historical […]

Instructional Snapshot

The class begins with a teacher-led observation of a Gettysburg photograph, prompting students to analyze details and use them as evidence to support…

1 Supporting Questions

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Photographs and the Great Depression BBI

Compelling Question

What Stories Do Photographs Tell?

About the inquiry

Photography serves as a powerful window into the experiences of migrants during the Great Depression, offering visual narratives that capture their struggles, resilience, and hopes. Through the lens of historical photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into the hardships faced by migrant families, from the dusty fields they worked to the crowded camps where they sought […]

Instructional Snapshot

The lesson begins with a short discussion of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl hardships that pushed many families westward. Students then analyze an…

1 Supporting Questions

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Photography and 9-11

Compelling Question

What Stories Do Photographs Tell?

About the inquiry

Photography serves as a powerful window into the experiences surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, offering visual narratives that capture the tragedy, resilience, and aftermath of that pivotal moment. Through the lens of these photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into the chaos, loss, and bravery witnessed on that day, from the crumbling towers […]

Instructional Snapshot

The class begins with a short discussion of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, then shifts to a guided photo analysis. Students first annotate…

1 Supporting Questions

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Photography and Covid-9

Compelling Question

What Stories Do Photographs Tell?

About the inquiry

Photography serves as a powerful window into the experiences surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, offering visual narratives that capture the uncertainty, resilience, and transformation of daily life during this global crisis. Through the lens of these photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into the quiet streets, overwhelmed hospitals, masked faces, and moments of connection amidst isolation.

Instructional Snapshot

The class opens with a brief discussion of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic before students analyze photographs from a source set in expert…

1 Supporting Questions

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Photographers and Truth

Compelling Question

How do photographers capture truth?

About the inquiry

Photographers play a powerful role in capturing images of people and places in positions of vulnerability. Photographers can document significant moments and share the stories of individuals and communities experiencing hardship, such as during natural disasters, conflicts, or social crises. With this power, photographers must balance exposing truth with the responsibility for its impact.

Instructional Snapshot

The class begins with an editorial and podcast on photography and bias, then students develop questions about photographer bias and engage in a Harkne…

1 Supporting Questions