Oklahoma Academic Standard 3. The student will examine important events and historical figures in the nation’s past.

Objective 3.2 Describe the contributions of people and groups who have shaped our history and ways we commemorate important places and events of the past.

In a Nutshell

The objective continues to build on prior understandings of history as the record of events involving individuals and groups of citizens who have brought about change in their communities, thus impacting how Americans live today. Students should examine the lives of local, state, and national leaders or groups who they believe should be commemorated through holidays, memorials, or other forms of appropriate recognition.  

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions related to the contributions of different groups and individuals who have shaped significant historical change.

• Assist students in identifying and analyzing local problems and ways in which people are trying to address these problems. 

• Discuss how the concept of personal decisions have costs and benefits to those around them and the future. 

• Express ideas independently through a combination of drawing and emergent writing about an individual or group that has changed their community, state, or nation. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• historic personalities, notable contributions and achievements 

• methods of commemorating historic personalities, such as holidays, statues, public buildings or parks, etc. 

• Some students may not realize that people who made historical contributions were citizens like themselves. 

• Some students may not realize that events in the past have shaped our community into what it has become because they may assume that the study of history is irrelevant.

Instructional Resources