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R.A.C.E. to the top of DBQ Mountain

Matthew Uhrich

Created on October 23, 2025

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Transcript

echo!

echo!

R.A.C.E. to the top of DBQ Mountain

In search of bigfoot

Set destination

Drag the circle along the mountain and find the "X"

Don't forget that you can get more information about each mission in this icon!

Mission 1: Primary Source vs. Secondary Source

We're are just starting our climb!
📜 What is a Primary Source? A primary source is a piece of information that comes directly from someone who saw or experienced an event. It’s like getting the story straight from the source! Examples: A diary from someone who lived through the event

Don't forget that you can get more information about each mission in this icon!

Primary Source vs. Secondary Source

📘 What is a Secondary Source? A secondary source is something that was created after an event happened by someone who did not experience it firsthand. Examples: A textbook explaining an event

Don't forget that you can get more information about each mission in this icon!

Primary Source vs. Secondary Source

1/2

Ouch!

DBQs in this course will follow the steps described below: Step 1: Preview the Question Step 2: Analyze the Document Step 3: Understand the Purpose Step 4: Create a Thesis and Organize a Response Step 5: Respond to the Question

Don't forget that you can get more information about each mission in this icon!

DBQ (Document Based Questions) STEPS

2/2

Ouch!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You've got a hammer! It might come in handy on the journey

Mission 2: the document & DBQ

Breaking the ice
Step 1: Preview the Question
In 1689, Cotton Mather, a powerful Puritan leader, gave a speech arguing that witchcraft was real and dangerous. He wanted people to believe in it and take it seriously. You will look at a small part of this speech on the next slide. After reading and analyzing this primary source, answer the following question: Which of Cotton Mather's two arguments do you think would have been more convincing to a Puritan in 1689?
Step 2: Analyze the Document

Source: Cotton Mather, “Memorable Providences relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions,” from A Discourse on Witchcraft, (Boston, 1689), pp. 4-9. Cotton Mather was one of the most influential religious leaders in America at the time. (Modified).

"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none. I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft".
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Step 3: Understand the Purpose

"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none. I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft". ~ Cotton Mather, 1689

2/3

"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none. I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft". ~ Cotton Mather, 1689

CONGRATULATIONS!

You've got some terribly tacky sunglasses! They'll be useful!

Mission 3: CREATE a thesis statement & Organize a response

Where is a GPS when it's needed?
1/4

Put on your sunglasses to avoid glare!

Step 4: Organize Your Response

Remember that the question you are answering is: Which of Cotton Mather's two arguments do you think would have been more convincing to a Puritan in 1689? On the next slide, you will combine the R and the A of the RACES writing strategy. You will Restate the question and Answer it clearly in one sentence.
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"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none.I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft".

Restate the question. Answer it clearly (THESIS). Sentence Starter: I believe a Puritan in 1689 would find Cotton Mather’s argument about ____________________________ more convincing because __________________________.

Step 4: Organize Your Response

Remember that the question you are answering is: Which of Cotton Mather's two arguments do you think would have been more convincing to a Puritan in 1689? On the next slide, you will complete the C & E by Citing evidence directly from Mather's speech and Explaining why that evidence supports your answer.
3/4

"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none.I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft".

Cite evidence from the source. Explain your thinking. Sentence Starter: In his speech, Cotton Mather says, “_____________________". This would be very convincing to a Puritan because _________________________.

Step 4: Organize Your Response

Remember that the question you are answering is: Which of Cotton Mather's two arguments do you think would have been more convincing to a Puritan in 1689? On the next slide, you will complete the S by Summarizing it with a strong conclusion.
4/4

"I will prove that Witchcraft exists. Those who deny it exists argue that they never saw any witches; therefore, there are none. That would be as if you or I said: We never met any robbers, therefore there are none.I have two pieces of evidence that witchcraft exists: First, the Scripture mentions witchcraft. Secondly, many people have experienced the horrors of witchcraft".

Summarize it with a strong conclusion. Sentence Starter: In conclusion, Mather's argument about _________ would be more convincing to a Puritan because _________________________.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Oh! A flashlight! Perfect for fighting the darkness

Mission 4: let's look at a completed answer

A cave to live in
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I believe a Puritan in 1689 would find Cotton Mather’s argument about the Bible mentioning witchcraft more convincing because religion was the most important part of their daily lives. In his speech, Cotton Mather says, “the Scripture mentions witchcraft,” which would have been very powerful to Puritans who based their beliefs and laws on the Bible. This would be convincing to a Puritan because they believed the Bible was the ultimate source of truth, so if something was written in Scripture, they would see it as undeniable proof. That’s why a Puritan in 1689 would likely believe Cotton Mather’s argument about the Bible the most—it supported their beliefs and gave them a reason to fear and fight against witchcraft.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Great! A sled sure helps to go down the mountain faster

One moment, what is that figure over there?...

YOU HAVE FOUND BIG FOOT!

Your fate will decide the end of the story...

END

By hitting Bigfoot with a hammer on one of his feet, you managed to escape. One of his nails will take time to grow back, how were you able to do it!

END

The glasses have been given to Bigfoot, and he is delighted! Now you are friends on Instagram and he has even tagged you in this photo!

END

Thanks to the flashlight, Bigfoot will be able to play with shadows in his dark cave. But if the batteries run out, you'll have to bring him new ones!

END

You offer Bigfoot a crazy deal: A mind-blowing sleigh ride, if the rascal leaves you alive

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

In this mission, you will have to answer the questions correctly to escape the avalanche! Good luck!

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

This is the decisive moment. The good fortune always favors the brave! What are you going to use against Bigfoot? Click on the die and choose the item that chance decides.

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Drag the answers so they are displayed in the correct order. Do it quickly, before it gets dark and you can't see where you're stepping. Use sunglasses to avoid being dazzled!

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

In this mission, you will have to answer the questions correctly to escape the avalanche! Good luck!

Wow! it looks like I'll have to complete several missions before reaching the top... Going for the 1!

Drag the answers so they are displayed in the correct order. Do it quickly, before it gets dark and you can't see where you're stepping. Use sunglasses to avoid being dazzled!

Although they are not visible, the correct answers to the questions are among all this darkness. Make use of your flashlight, dragging its halo of light, to locate the answers. You have 15 seconds to answer before it goes out!

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Thanks for playing!

See you in another adventure

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Drag the answers so they are displayed in the correct order. Do it quickly, before it gets dark and you can't see where you're stepping. Use sunglasses to avoid being dazzled!

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

In this mission, you will have to answer the questions correctly to escape the avalanche! Good luck!

In this mission, you will have to answer the questions correctly to escape the avalanche! Good luck!

Drag the answers so they are displayed in the correct order. Do it quickly, before it gets dark and you can't see where you're stepping. Use sunglasses to avoid being dazzled!

Thanks for playing!

See you in another adventure

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Wow! This mountain is huge. Let's climb it! The first thing is to set the destination and I want to reach the highest point, where they say Bigfoot resides.

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Throw!

The temperatures are dropping! Everything is freezing, even you! Quickly choose between true or false, use the hammer to break the ice and send the correct answer before you freeze from the cold.

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Thanks for playing!

See you in another adventure

Back

Exit

Thanks for playing!

See you in another adventure

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

Are you sure you want to leave?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit

The temperatures are dropping! Everything is freezing, even you! Quickly choose between true or false, use the hammer to break the ice and send the correct answer before you freeze from the cold.

Drag the answers so they are displayed in the correct order. Do it quickly, before it gets dark and you can't see where you're stepping. Use sunglasses to avoid being dazzled!

The temperatures are dropping! Everything is freezing, even you! Quickly choose between true or false, use the hammer to break the ice and send the correct answer before you freeze from the cold.

Are you sure you want to exit?

If you leave, you will lose your progress

Back

Exit