HISTORICAL SIMULATIONS

Best used for:

• Review and synthesis of major concepts and people over time

• Historically contextual discussions of multiple perspectives

• Historical discussion of controversial issues

How it is done:

• Provide students with a construct or premise from which to work. This scenario should be something that is fictional. The scenario should ultimately have each student addressing a framing question that assesses the objective.

• Assign each student an historical figure to research that directly relates to the question. Choosing the assignments is one form of differentiation and should be made using your best judgment. Consider the student’s current skill levels, tailoring the assignments to the task.

• Students will research their assigned person to develop a point of view for the question and create some form of “in paper” preparation, such as a resume or written persuasive speech on the question at hand. Students can use this for reference during the activity. Require students to cite sources and bring primary documentation, including quotes when possible.

• The day of the simulation, students will assume their historical characters. You play a part in moderating the activity. Give students participation credit for original ideas, questions, or responses.

• At the conclusion of the simulation, debrief the exercise (students are no longer in “historical character” for this). Tailor the questions to the activity. Ask questions such as:

• Who made the strongest argument for/against _________? Why?

• How did our exercise demonstrate the concept of “Change over Time?”

• Whose point of view was most similar? Different? Why?

• Who was missing from the activity that might have enhanced it? Explain.

• What evidence from the activity best helps to address the framing question? Explain.

• Have students independently respond to the framing question in essay format for their “out paper” assessment.

Format Suggestions include but are not limited to:

• Debate (formal or informal)

• Soap Box in the Park (good for comparing philosophies or revolutionary ideas)

• Committee meeting (people with common causes but different ideas)

• Proposal and Pitch (persuading a leader to make changes or take action)

• Putting someone on Trial (choose an historically significant and controversial figure)

• Conversations over Time (good for figures over long period)

• Meeting of the Minds (for people within the same period)

• Planning a Dinner or Tea Party (guest list (invites and exclusions), seating arrangements, host, dinner conversation regarding question)