This publication contains classroom-tested teaching ideas. For grades K-4, "'Blessed Ted-fred': Famous Fathers Write to Their Children" uses American Memory for primary source letters written by Theodore Roosevelt and Alexander Graham Bell to their children. For grades 5-8, "Found Poetry and the American Life Histories…

Illustrates an innovative approach to teaching the 1932 Veterans' Bonus March on Washington DC. The teacher used instructional packets with 1930 nostalgia, the Pete Seeger album, "American Industrial Ballads," and film clips. An instructional guide is included. (GG)

Discusses whether history was taught in U.S. schools when they began around 1820. Reports that what was labelled history dealt with the founding of the republic, the Constitution, and government. Includes information on U.S. historians. Suggests that a society does not teach its history until it reaches a certain level of stability or maturity.…

Urges that history be based on sound historical scholarship. Suggests that the most important key to good history is provided by well-trained history teachers who understand the dynamic nature of historical inquiry and help students develop a critical perspective of the past. Recognizes that women and minorities have been significant actors in…

Discusses the history of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Describes the evolution of constitutional rights in the United States. Explains how the Constitution, particularly the First and Fourth Amendments, has been applied to juveniles. Identifies some of the leading cases involving juvenile rights. (SG)

Social Security is a contemporary topic that exemplifies a social issue-centered approach to social studies, one that allows students to get beyond the school walls to analyze a contemporary topic that ultimately affects virtually everyone. In this article, the authors provide a brief history of Social Security, describe how it is funded and…

Designed to help teachers, this curriculum guide outlines a field trip eighth-grade students take to visit a Florida student museum. Objectives for student learning as well as pre- and post-visit activities are included. Three lesson plans also are suggested: pioneer room, being an historian, and pioneer crafts. The student museum curriculum also…

These resources, designed for recognizing Women's History Week in Vermont elementary and secondary classrooms, are suitable for use nationwide. Oral history materials include recommended strategies for conducting oral history projects, a list of general interview questions, sample questionnaires for interviews concerning women's work and immigrant…

Examines various ways that a documentary film about a southern textile strike can be used in a social studies classroom. Describes a series of student comments about the film followed by responses from the teacher/filmmaker. Briefly annotates five Internet sites related to oral history. (MJP)

Presents an excellent lesson plan discussing the repressive racial legislation that remained enforced in Illinois even after the repeal of slavery. Background material also covers the black communities' response to these racist laws. Includes teaching suggestions, handouts, and activities. (MJP)

This article describes several websites that can be used to encourage students to vote. These include "The Democracy Project: Inside the Voting Booth" sponsored by PBS. This site addresses three elementary topics: how one vote has made a difference in U.S. history, how the right to vote has gradually been expanded to include minorities (African…

Resources about Arizona for children in kindergarten through eighth grade are listed. Materials include fiction and non-fiction and are mostly English language titles. Books listed have generally been published since 1977, although classic titles distinguished by literary or artistic merit are included, as are bibliographies published before 1977.…

Readings and activities in this elementary school unit are designed to introduce students to Amish culture. Specific reference is made to the Amish communities in Iowa. Four lessons focus on the history of the Amish in the United States, Amish family life, community life, and customs (such as clothing and occupations) in modern Amish communities.…

High school teachers of social studies and Latin can use the lessons in this guide to convey to students a deeper appreciation of the U.S. Constitution and simultaneously restore an awareness of the relevance of the classics to most human and political questions. Each adaptable plan is intended to supplement or complement a course in social…

This booklet contains biographical information about Bessie Coleman, Nellie Bly, Gertrude Ederle, Sojourner Truth, Chien-Shiung Wu, Yoshiko Uchida, Madam C. J. Walker, Maria Martinez, Jovita Idar, Margaret Bourke-White, Sally Ride, and Sybil Ludington. These women are noted for their important contributions to United States history. It is hoped…