The materials in this curriculum book provide examples of strategies and resources that can be used to initiate or enhance existing lessons and units in history and social studies. All the material can be adapted or modified by the teacher. The lessons are designed to encourage students to think critically about turning points in history, conduct…

Harriet Tubman, a famous Civil War freedom fighter from Maryland, is the focus of this unit that integrates the arts and history. Students will learn about Harriet Tubman through music, art, dance, literature, and reference materials. The five lessons will be models and a springboard for the research projects that the students will complete about…

The theme for National History Day during 1998-99 school year is "Science, Technology, Invention in History: Impact, Influence, Change. National History Day competition has two divisions based on school grade: junior division--grades 6, 7, and 8; and senior division--grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. This teacher guide provides teachers with…

The Freeman School, originally called the Red-Brick School House, served the community of Blakely Township, Nebraska from 1872 to 1967. It is representative of the one-room schools that once dotted the western landscape of the United States. The Freeman School served not only as an educational center but also as the church, a meeting hall, the…

This booklet brings together memorable expressions on liberty and democracy by philosophers, statesmen, and writers of all times. It also presents in brief story form memorable episodes in the never-ending struggle for freedom. The selected references suggest sources of additional material on these subjects. If these quotations and stories find…

Provides some useful guidelines, activities, and a few warnings concerning using documentary movies in a U. S. history course. Although documentaries can pique student interest, they need to be previewed first and presented in historical context with supporting materials. Includes an overview of a course content and accompanying films. (MJP)

Recounts the origin and evolution of the America-to-Asia oil shipping business. Originally shipped in tin cans, two to a wooden case, the industry was revolutionized by the development of bulk tankers. Discusses the technological challenges faced by these vessels, safety concerns, and early competition from Russia. (MJP)

Briefly reviews the character and contributions of our first president. Discusses the accomplishments of George Washington in terms of his role as a gentleman, general, politician, and a man of ideas. Includes selections from, "The 110 rules of Civility", a book that influenced Washington in his youth. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the character and career of George Washington. Reveals a complex portrait of a man who overcame personal obstacles (a violent temper) and professional hindrances (lack of formal education) to become a military hero and our first president. Briefly discusses the Society of the Cincinnati. (MJP)

Recognizes and discusses the special place that small business occupies, not only in American history, but also in American thought and culture. Examines the various conflicts between big and small business. Notes that the division of territory, products, and services between the two is largely defined by economies of scale. (MJP)

Provides a thorough and useful evaluation of two interactive multimedia US history programs. "Vital Issues: Reshaping and Industrializing the Nation" covers US history from European contact to the present. "Powers of Persuasion" focuses on the art of propaganda in World War II. Includes extensive information on both products.…

Presents a lesson plan that not only illuminates a little-known incident in Asian American history but also questions how history is constructed and communicated. Provides an excellent historical account of the draft resistance movement within the Nisei internment camps during World War II. Includes handouts and discussion questions. (MJP)

Describes the procedures, preparation, and background material necessary for a class to produce an updated version of a living newspaper puppet play. These plays, originally produced by the Federal Theater Project, took a strong editorial position while examining and satirizing political issues. (MJP)

Examines the personal views, research methods, and writing strategies of an author who specializes in books on labor history aimed at the young adult market. Discusses some of the work that went into biographies of Mother Jones, Rosie the Riveter, and Frances Perkins. Recommends an increased focus on labor history. (MJP)

Uses microfilm copies of the 1880 and 1900 census records which tallied information about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family to teach about using census data. Suggests activities that develop vocabulary skills, teach document analysis, utilize map skills, and require research and synthesis skills. (LS)