8th Grade History
Overview
Explore the lives and impact of key figures in the abolitionist movement through immersive AI-powered conversations. Students experience history from the perspective of those who lived it.
Implementation Overview
In December 2023, an 8th-grade history class in Mill Valley piloted YourStory to bring the abolitionist movement to life. This case study demonstrates how interactive AI conversations transformed traditional history education.
The YourStory Experience
Students were assigned specific abolitionist figures to research through YourStory's AI-powered conversations. Each student engaged in dynamic, personalized dialogues with historical figures including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth.
Through open-ended questions, students explored:
- Personal backgrounds and motivations
- The journey to becoming an abolitionist
- Actions taken to advance the cause
- Sources of courage and determination
- Reflections on legacy and impact
Critical Thinking & Source Validation
Using YourStory's Sourcing tool, students learned to validate AI responses with credible historical sources. This process enhanced research skills while teaching the importance of information verification.
Classroom Impact
Active Engagement: Students asked an average of 30 questions per session
Collaborative Learning: Class discussions deepened collective understanding
Emotional Connection: First-person perspectives fostered empathy
"Students were more engaged and enthusiastic about the topic than in any previous lesson. The ability to explore history through a first-person perspective fostered a stronger emotional connection to the subject matter."
Sarah Johnson
8th Grade History Teacher, Mill Valley Middle School
Experience the Learning
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