Introduction
As Wisconsin schoolchildren explore and revisit our state's past, they will discover that they, too, have a history. One that is unique to each of them, if they know how to look for it. Investigating Wisconsin History, an instructional television series designed for fourth-graders, helps young people learn how to uncover the past.
Each 15-minute program in the 12-part series poses a "history mystery" and then follows a variety of historical clues to solve it. As "history detectives, " young people explore Wisconsin history in many ways, such as visiting historical sites, listening to oral histories, and examining artifacts, maps and photographs. They discover how to put the pieces of historical evidence together to form an image of the past and realize that history often involves multiple perspectives.
The series airs on public television in Wisconsin during the school year (view the broadcast schedule). These programs may be taped off-air or they may be purchased through the ECB's Tape Dubbing Service. A teacher guide is available to provide additional ideas for using this
series in the classroom.
Focus of the Series
How have people participated in society throughout Wisconsin's history?
Learning Goals of the Series
By viewing Investigating Wisconsin History and exploring ideas presented in the teacher guide, students will
— learn how history affects the present and the future.
— be introduced to a chronology of events that helped shape Wisconsin.
— become aware of the rudiments of historical inquiry.
— learn how changes that took place throughout Wisconsin's history
affected the daily lives of all people.
— learn how local history relates to state history.
— discover Wisconsin's cultural and ethnic diversity.
— develop a sense of the civic responsibility necessary for historic preservation.
Focus Questions and Learning Objectives, by Program
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