Abraham Lincoln: Truth or Legend

Begin by having your students free write on the following prompt: "How do we know when something is true? What signs might lead you to think one piece of evidence is more true than another? Are there some sources you trust more than others? Why? " You may wish to write with your students or monitor the room and offering support and suggestions as students work.

After a few moments, request volunteers to share their free writing. Poll the room for similar responses. Discuss (or review) purpose in writing and how that might influence the truthfulness of a text.

Next, break students into small groups to create a list of things they know about Abraham Lincoln. You may wish to add that Lincoln 's Gettysburg address was written on the back of an envelop or other fairly well-known myths if your students are hesitant to share. Monitor progress by circulating around the room. Once you feel discussions are ending, regroup as a class, and create a master list of "facts" that will remain displayed throughout the unit. End session one with a class discussion of which "facts" students believe are completely true, mostly true, probably untrue or false. Note these on the board for session two.

Session two, distribute copies, or display if you happen to have a digital projector, of the Snopes.com site below. The page explains the Lincoln/Kennedy conspiracy while stressing the facts the conspiracy theory is based upon. Ask students to identify items already on the "Fact List" created the day before. Emphasize to students the importance of the "little pieces of truth" they find in the website that help to create the impression of a conspiracy or link between Presidents Kennedy and Lincoln.

Next, break students into research teams and provide each team with links to the variety of Abraham Lincoln resources. You may also wish to include physical books and hand outs as well, in case of technology issues. Invite students to browse the links and print materials for evidence of the truthfulness of the class "facts". Allow them to add new myths if they stumble across any not already present. Ask them to record their facts and myths, including what truth might have lead to the myths (as shows in the Snopes material).

Finally, direct students to create a book of Abraham Lincoln Facts and Myths using the following resource: Read Write Think You may need a third session in order to allow students enough time to complete their booklets.

Websites:

Staple-less book interactive

The Lincoln/Kennedy conspiracy on Snopes.com

Timeline for Abraham Lincoln's life

Abraham Lincoln biography

CSPAN videos and resources on Abraham Lincoln