Legend or Reality Review

This worksheet supports students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 as they practice historical reasoning, critical reading, and evidence evaluation by examining ten well-known historical claims. Learners decide whether each statement is grounded in documented fact or rooted in myth or legend, then explain their reasoning or describe how they would verify the information using credible sources.

Learning Goals

• Historical Analysis (Grades 5-7)
  Students distinguish between verified historical events and stories shaped by folklore, tradition, or exaggeration.
• Evidence-Based Claim Evaluation
  Learners justify decisions using historical reasoning, logical explanation, and references to possible sources of evidence.
• Information Literacy Skills
  Students practice identifying trustworthy references, such as primary sources, history texts, and reputable databases.
• Critical Thinking Across Disciplines
  The activity blends social studies and ELA skills by analyzing how myths can persist alongside factual history.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Designed Resource
  Created by educators to align with upper elementary and middle school curriculum standards.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for social studies lessons, literacy blocks, homework, small groups, or discussion-based activities.
• Encourages Historical Discussion
  Promotes thoughtful debate about how history is recorded, remembered, and sometimes distorted.
• Accessible for Varied Learners
  Open-ended responses allow students to demonstrate understanding at multiple levels.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen historical thinking, source evaluation, and critical reasoning by separating legend from reality. By questioning familiar stories and considering how evidence supports historical claims, learners develop stronger research awareness and analytical skills. It’s a meaningful, low-prep resource for both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Fact vs Fiction Worksheets collection.