FSA Photography: Creating a Local Archive
In this lesson students will study the work of the Farm Security Administration photographers who documented the rural South during the Great Depression. They will consider the purpose and methods of the FSA photographers, how these are reflected in the photographs, and the value of the photographs as a historical resource. They will then take on the role of FSA photographers to create an archive of photographs of their local area.
Weblink address (URL):
Standards & Objectives
Academic standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.3
- Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.10
- By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7
- Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.8
- Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts, including the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.10
- By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literacy nonfiction in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.3
- Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.5
- Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.6
- Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.7
- Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.2
- Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7
- Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9
- Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.10
- By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.7
- Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.9
- Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2
- Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5
- Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9-10 Language...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1
- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience....
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CLE 3001.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
- CLE 3001.2.5
- Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
- CLE 3001.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3001.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3001.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3001.5.1
- Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
- CLE 3001.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3001.5.3
- Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
- CLE 3001.5.4
- Analyze the logical features of an argument
- CLE 3001.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3001.6.2
- Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3001.8.4
- Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- CLE 3001.8.5
- Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
- CLE 3002.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases
- CLE 3002.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3002.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3002.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, wellconstructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3002.5.1
- Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
- CLE 3002.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3002.5.3
- Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
- CLE 3002.5.4
- Analyze the logical features of an argument.
- CLE 3002.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3002.6.2
- Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3002.8.4
- Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- CLE 3002.8.5
- Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
- CLE 3003.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3003.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3003.3.1
- Write in a variety of modes, with particular emphasis on persuasion, for different purposes and audiences.
- CLE 3003.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3003.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3003.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3003.7.2
- Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
- CLE 3003.7.4
- Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
- CLE 3003.8.1
- Demonstrate knowledge of significant works of American literature from the colonial period to the present and make relevant comparisons.
- CLE 3003.8.4
- Analyze works of American literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- CLE 3005.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3005.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3005.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3005.5.1
- Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of complex oral and written contexts.
- CLE 3005.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3005.5.4
- Analyze the logical features of an argument.
- CLE 3005.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3005.7.2
- Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
- CLE 3005.7.4
- Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
- CLE 3005.8.1
- Demonstrate knowledge of significant works of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present and make relevant comparisons.
- CLE 3005.8.4
- Analyze works of British literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- SPI 3001.1.12
- Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 3001.1.13
- Select the appropriate word among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who, accept/except,...
- SPI 3001.2.7
- Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listening with civility...
- SPI 3001.3.3
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3001.5.1
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 3001.6.1
- Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages.
- SPI 3001.7.7
- Consider the treatment of a particular subject or event in two or more media (e.g., newspaper and visual art, narrative and poem, diary and magazine article).
- SPI 3001.8.3
- Identify and analyze an authors point of view (i.e., first person, third-person objective, third-person limited, third-person omniscient).
- SPI 3002.1.13
- Select the appropriate word from among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who,...
- SPI 3002.1.14
- Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 3002.2.7
- Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listen with civility to...
- SPI 3002.3.3
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3002.5.1
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 3002.6.1
- Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages
- SPI 3002.7.7
- Consider the treatment of a particular subject or event in two or more media (e.g., newspaper and visual art, narrative and poem, diary and magazine article).
- SPI 3002.8.16
- Analyze how form relates to meaning (e.g., compare a poem and a newspaper on the same theme or topic).
- SPI 3002.8.3
- Identify and analyze an authors point of view (i.e., first person, third-person objective, third-person limited, third-person omniscient).
- SPI 3003.3.13
- Identify the targeted audience for a selected passage.
- SPI 3003.3.8
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3003.4.3
- Evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources for use in research.
- SPI 3003.5.1
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 3003.5.11
- Identify the main claim, premise(s), evidence, or conclusion of a given argument.
- SPI 3003.5.8
- Determine whether a given argument employs deductive or inductive reasoning. (NOTE: NO Check for Understanding)
- TSS.ELA.10.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and...
- TSS.ELA.10.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.7
- Evaluate the topic or subject in multiple diverse formats and media.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.9
- Analyze and evaluate a variety of thematically-related texts of historical and literary significance for their topics, facts, purposes, and rhetorical...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing and synthesizing relevant textual evidence from...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.KID.2
- Determine multiple central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.7
- Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in multiple diverse formats and media, including how the version interprets the source text.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.9
- Demonstrate knowledge of and analyze thematically-related, significant literary texts, considering how two or more texts treat similar themes or topics.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing and synthesizing relevant textual evidence from...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.KID.2
- Determine multiple themes or central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.1
- Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 11th - 12th grade topics, texts, and...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2
- Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning;...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.5
- Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.PDW.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.RBPK.9
- Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.TTP.1
- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning supported by relevant and sufficient evidence.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze, synthesize, and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the...
- TSS.ELA.11.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual...
- TSS.ELA.11.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...
- TSS.ELA.12.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 12th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 11-12 text complexity band independently and...
- TSS.ELA.12.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 12th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 11-12 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.L.KL.3
- Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend ...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.L.VAU.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings in grades 9-10 reading and content; interpret figures...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.CS.6
- Determine an author's point of view or purpose and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.IKI.7
- Evaluate the topic or subject in two diverse formats or media.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.IKI.9
- Analyze a variety of thematically related texts of historical and literary significance for the way they address related topics, facts, and concepts.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.CS.6
- Analyze how point of view and/or author purpose shapes the content and style of diverse texts.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.IKI.7
- Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in two diverse formats or media.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.IKI.9
- Analyze a variety of related literary texts and evaluate how an author draws on, alludes to, or transforms source material to provide a deeper and more...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.CC.1
- Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 9th- 10th grade topics, texts, and...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically, so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.9
- Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection...
- TSS.ELA.9.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release...
- TSS.ELA.9.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
Learning objectives:
The learner will:
- Analyze a set of primary sources for insights into the lives of rural Southerners during the Depression.
- Understand the purpose and methods used by the photographers of the FSA’s Historical Section
- Create an archive of local photographs modeled on the FSA project as a resource for future use.
Essential and guiding questions:
- What do the FSA photographs reveal about rural life in the South during the Depression?
- What can new photographs reveal to future researchers about life in Tennessee now?
Lesson Variations
Blooms taxonomy level:
Applying
Extension suggestions:
- Use the images produced by the class to enhance a Google Earth map of your local area.
- Upload the images to a Flickr account, and invite the community to contribute through comments and/or additional images.
Helpful Hints
MATERIALS:
- Photograph Analysis Worksheet
- Shooting Script Worksheet
- Field Notes handout
- Editing Worksheet
- Digital cameras and photo editing software
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