This is one of a four-volume series intended to improve students' (grade 6-adult) critical thinking through evaluation of conflicting viewpoints of United States history. Each lesson is a self-contained problem that can be integrated at any point in a corresponding history unit. The book represents both analytical and narrative history. Unit One…

Describes the Vietnam Decision-Making Computer Simulation, a computer activity designed to enhance student understanding of the Vietnam War by placing them in the decision-making role of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Outlines variables in the simulation. Discusses the use of class journals in combination with the simulation. (RW)

Contends that an important goal in history instruction is helping students understand the complexity of events. Describes the use of "Escalation," a commercially available computer simulation, in a high school U.S. history class. Includes excerpts from student journals kept during the activity. (CFR)