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.

Marriage equality in Massachusetts

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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Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House

Words to know

rights
freedoms and protections people are entitled to
equality
having equal rights or standing
family
people connected through kinship or lasting care

Massachusetts became the first U.S. state where same-sex couples could legally marry. Families celebrated having their relationships recognized. The change followed a state court decision.

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: The Red Sox win the World Series

The Boston Red Sox won the World Series for the first time since 1918. Fans celebrated after an eighty-six-year wait. Sports can bring people together and become part of a place’s shared memory.

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

Research source for this event ↗

Christian David. CC BY-SA 4.0 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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