Analyzing a Photograph of Clara Barton
Recommended Activity
Published By:
National Archives Foundation
Historical Era:
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Analysis & Interpretation
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Analyzing
Grade Level:
Lower Elementary
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Using the activity questions, lead students through photograph analysis and a discussion about the details they observe in this 1860s photo of Clara Barton, taken by Mathew Brady. For grades K-2. Approximate time needed is 30 minutes.
As with any primary source analysis, ask students to go through the following progression, as outlined in the activity:
- Meet the document.
- Observe its parts.
- Try to make sense of it.
- Use it as historical evidence.
You may wish to draw students’ attention to the details on Clara Barton’s dress, the clock in the background, and the studio setting.
To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Analyzing a Photograph of Clara Barton”
Description
In this activity, students will answer questions to help them analyze a photograph of Clara Barton. They will also compare this photograph with their expectations of what a nurse looks like.
