Click to toggle navigation menu.
Contact Us Subscribe Email

Lost your password?
Register
Forget Password? Reset Don’t have an account? Sign Up
Donate

Place Study Instructions

See below for guidance on building a resource for teachers to run
a place study on local histories and/or leaders that involve navigating
conflicts and creating a space within the school or classroom to
represent them.

  1. Begin by researching conflicts that have occurred in the local area. This may include conflicts between different cultural or ethnic groups, labor disputes, civil rights movements, or other significant events. Utilize historical records, books, articles, and local archives to gather information about these conflicts.

    • Research and draw a community asset map. This resource walks through the process for a group of adults but could be easily adapted for students. 

    • This Smithsonian
      online exhibit       can be used as pre-work for a place study.

  2. Choose a few key conflicts that are particularly relevant or impactful for the community and align with the educational goals of the classroom. Consider the diversity of perspectives and experiences involved in each conflict.

  3. Locate primary sources related to each selected conflict, such as newspaper articles, photographs, oral histories, government documents, and personal accounts. These sources provide firsthand insights into the events and perspectives of those involved.

  4. Develop a series of classroom activities to engage students in exploring the selected conflicts. These activities may include:

    • Analyzing primary sources to understand different viewpoints and experiences.

    • Conducting interviews with local community members who were affected by the conflicts.

    • Creating timelines, maps, or visual representations of the conflicts and their impact.

    • Role-playing exercises to simulate key moments or decisions during the conflicts.

    • Reflective writing assignments to encourage students to consider the significance of the conflicts and their relevance to contemporary issues.

  5. Dedicate a specific area of the classroom to serve as a “Conflict Studies Corner” or “History Nook.” This space should be visually appealing and inviting, with displays, posters, and artifacts related to the selected conflicts. Consider incorporating elements such as:

    • Display boards featuring photographs, documents, and quotes from primary sources.

    • Artistic representations, such as paintings, sketches, or sculptures inspired by the conflicts.

    • Interactive components, such as QR codes linked to multimedia resources or a digital timeline.

    • A reflection area with comfortable seating where students can contemplate and discuss their learnings from the conflicts.

  6. Encourage open and respectful discussions about the conflicts among students. Create a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Use the classroom space as a focal point for these discussions, allowing students to interact with the displays and artifacts as they explore the histories.

  7. Throughout the place study, facilitate opportunities for students to reflect on the lessons learned from the conflicts and their relevance to contemporary issues. Encourage students to consider how the past can inform their understanding of present-day conflicts and inspire positive action for change. Culminate the study with a presentation, exhibition, or multimedia project where students share their insights and reflections with the broader school community.

Resource prepared by Mary Houghtaling and Sara Stinnette