MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

Federal funding for the Big Dig

Choose a PDF, read on screen, and try the word game.

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All four include an image, vocabulary, comprehension questions, a follow-up reading, and teacher guidance. These English PDFs have selectable text; use the reading below for adjustable text and listening tools.

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Modern topic illustration created for Massachusetts History Explorers. It is not a historical artifact.
Modern topic illustration created for Massachusetts History Explorers. It is not a historical artifact.

Words to know

plan
steps chosen to reach a goal
engineer
a person who designs and tests structures or systems
public
connected to people as a whole

Federal legislation helped fund Boston’s Big Dig highway project. The plan would replace the elevated Central Artery with tunnels. Building it required many years of engineering work.

Talk about the reading

What happened? Point to a detail that supports your answer. What does the picture help you understand? What would you like to investigate next?

Follow-up: Aquinnah gains federal recognition

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, gained federal recognition. Community members had worked for this outcome. Recognition changed the government relationship; it did not create the people or their history.

How are the two events connected or different? Their order does not prove that one caused the other.

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Word match: use the reading

Select a word, then select its meaning. You can use a keyboard or tap. Read the word bank if you need a clue.

Choose a word to begin.

Check the evidence

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Original site illustration. Image source and rights ↗

Historical images, later portraits, reconstructions, and modern topic illustrations are identified in their captions. They are different kinds of evidence.

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