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Kids love mysteries which is why they will gobble up this story about the founder of the Secret Service and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. |
English/Language Arts
Explore genres - true crime
Author Moss tells readers that Pinkerton’s accounts of his cases were the basis of the American “true crime” genre. With more mature students, take a look at the genre, both in print and in the media. How many popular television shows are based on this genre? What kinds of books can they find? Take a look at Marissa Moss’ Kate Warne: Pinkerton Detective, a picture book that nicely models this genre for the middle grades. For older students, take a look at your library catalog to figure out what subject headings and keywords will yield results. Look at the Borden murders for an easy start.
Social Studies
Explore the Industrial Revolution and the history of Labor Unions
Use this Minute to launch an investigation of the history of the consequences to the workforce that the Industrial Revolution created. Look at working conditions, working hours, child labor, and women during this time period to help students understand how the fight for workers rights developed. Students with more historical context should be able to look further back to the age of feudalism to see the roots of workers’ unrest.
Explore the Underground Railroad
Use this Minute to introduce or reinforce student’s awareness and knowledge of the underground railroad. National Geographic has a solid introduction for young students. There should also be a wide variety of print resources available in your library for students to compare and contrast. For older students, have them read from a wide variety of sources and see if they can spot some of the “historical myths” that have been propagated about the underground railroad. Read Henry Louis Gates’ arguments about some of the commonly held beliefs, and have students think and discuss why history is so often romanticized with stories that become part of our popular culture.
Explore historical figures - John Brown
Have students investigate the life and legacy of John Brown, introduced in this Minute. As he influenced Pinkerton, he also influenced the abolitionist movement and perhaps accelerated the move toward Civil War. Have students look at primary and secondary sources as they investigate this historical figure’s role in American history.
STEM
Explore Scientific Observation
Detective work is very much about using one’s powers of observation. Have students think about how to report what they see as a science skill, as opposed to what they think they already know.
Research Skills
Explore resources
Pinkerton’s agency has been in existence under various names for more than 165 years. Have students explore their history on Pinkerton’s History page. Being a good detective is not unlike being a good researcher - you must evaluate constantly and know where and how to search for relevant information. Sometimes you need to follow clues to get the information you require. Check out PBS History Detectives site for great ideas about how to find out about a host of things. Don’t miss the educators page for more great ideas.
Explore genres - true crime
Author Moss tells readers that Pinkerton’s accounts of his cases were the basis of the American “true crime” genre. With more mature students, take a look at the genre, both in print and in the media. How many popular television shows are based on this genre? What kinds of books can they find? Take a look at Marissa Moss’ Kate Warne: Pinkerton Detective, a picture book that nicely models this genre for the middle grades. For older students, take a look at your library catalog to figure out what subject headings and keywords will yield results. Look at the Borden murders for an easy start.
Social Studies
Explore the Industrial Revolution and the history of Labor Unions
Use this Minute to launch an investigation of the history of the consequences to the workforce that the Industrial Revolution created. Look at working conditions, working hours, child labor, and women during this time period to help students understand how the fight for workers rights developed. Students with more historical context should be able to look further back to the age of feudalism to see the roots of workers’ unrest.
Explore the Underground Railroad
Use this Minute to introduce or reinforce student’s awareness and knowledge of the underground railroad. National Geographic has a solid introduction for young students. There should also be a wide variety of print resources available in your library for students to compare and contrast. For older students, have them read from a wide variety of sources and see if they can spot some of the “historical myths” that have been propagated about the underground railroad. Read Henry Louis Gates’ arguments about some of the commonly held beliefs, and have students think and discuss why history is so often romanticized with stories that become part of our popular culture.
Explore historical figures - John Brown
Have students investigate the life and legacy of John Brown, introduced in this Minute. As he influenced Pinkerton, he also influenced the abolitionist movement and perhaps accelerated the move toward Civil War. Have students look at primary and secondary sources as they investigate this historical figure’s role in American history.
STEM
Explore Scientific Observation
Detective work is very much about using one’s powers of observation. Have students think about how to report what they see as a science skill, as opposed to what they think they already know.
Research Skills
Explore resources
Pinkerton’s agency has been in existence under various names for more than 165 years. Have students explore their history on Pinkerton’s History page. Being a good detective is not unlike being a good researcher - you must evaluate constantly and know where and how to search for relevant information. Sometimes you need to follow clues to get the information you require. Check out PBS History Detectives site for great ideas about how to find out about a host of things. Don’t miss the educators page for more great ideas.
© Karen Sterling, 2018 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission
