Part 1

In this activity, you will determine how to evaluate valid, reliable, and credible sources are while researching life in the 1950s. To be able to evaluate the sources, you will need to watch the following video:   

Make sure to take notes. After you have watched the video, compose a document that answers the following 4 questions listed below.

1. What are some ways to evaluate if a source is reliable, valid, and credible? List at least three criteria from the video and explain your answer in three sentences.

1. Why is it important to evaluate a source to make sure it is reliable, valid and credible? Why does it matter? Provide your answer with at least three sentences.

1. If you were researching the topic of  "What Life Was Like in the 1950’s?", what do you think would be a good source? You will need to find a website that shows what life was like in the 1950s and provide the link (URL) to your source. 

1. Using the website you found, provide at least two reasons why it is a reliable, valid and credible source. Or, if you think it is NOT a good source, state at least two reasons why you believe it is not a good source.

Part 2

Prompt Question: 

Some have said that the 1950s were the happiest time in American history. After going through this course, in your opinion, what was the best time in American history from the 1700s to the 1950s?

Use at least two pieces of evidence from the lessons or from outside sources to back your claim.

Suggested Resource:

Corbett, P. Scott, et al. U.S. History. OpenStax, OpenStax, .

Remember, history is a living thing; there are many different perspectives and opinions about what happened in the past. Think critically as you consider sources to back your claim. If you use material other than the suggested resource or your course lessons, remember to use a reliable source such as an .edu website. 

As you are choosing your sources, think about the following:

· What is the author's purpose in writing about this time period? (entertainment, informative, gossip, opinion)

· Is the author presenting evidence or an assertion?

· Evidence: This is fact or information to support a statement.

· Assertion: A confident and forceful statement; this can be a statement of fact OR someone's belief.

· Does the author have a potential bias about the subject?  (Is the author prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another. Usually, this is in a way considered to be unfair.)

Writing Examples and Format 

In your discussion post, you will state your own opinion and provide two examples to support your claim. You can do this as a written response of two paragraphs or a short slideshow. Below are some examples of how to start a written response.

– I think the 1950's were a great time to live because….

– I think the 1800’s were the best time in American history because…

– I think the 1920’s were the best time in American history because…

If you choose to write your response, here is a suggested format to follow:

Paragraph 1:

Topic Sentence:

Concrete Details (from source):

Commentary (your opinion/analysis):

Commentary

 Paragraph 2: 

Concrete Details (from source):

Commentary (your opinion/analysis):

Summary

Final Concluding