Let’s learn to think like a historian.

Grade 5 students began a new history unit on Friday with a fun and interactive launch event organized alongside Inspire Citizens, one of WAB’s expert educational partners.

Throughout the history unit, students will learn to make sense of the present by understanding the past. In the launch event on Friday, students practiced interviewing their classmates, worked together to investigate artifacts from the past, and explored the concept of perspective through looking at photographs

These activities helped them develop skills like active listening, asking follow-up questions, which allow students to learn to communicate effectively and make connections to others.

Inspire Citizens Co-Founder Steve Stosak is working with our educators to create age-appropriate learning experiences designed to help students develop skills that serve a purpose. The big picture goal, Steve said, is to help students become positive contributors to a global society and live the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“What’s really cool about this history unit is that It’s a great opportunity for the kids to go deeper with their critical research skills. When you think like a historian, it makes you have to apply a lot of tools and skills that are important in 2020 – things like communicating, evaluating sources, and responsibly consuming media,” Steve said. “In today’s complex world, those are skills that people need, and it’s fabulous to have Grade 5 students engaging in this type of learning at such a young age.”