Mock excavations, or "dig boxes," offer students a hands-on opportunity to explore artifacts and their importance and to learn the principles of context and stratigraphic association. The dig box can be central to discussing differences that existed between classes, races, ethnic groups, and the sexes at different times in history. By…

An eighth grade social studies unit on Maryland studies contains three sections of material. In the first section, a two-column chart matches grade-level objectives to specific activities presented in the next section. A content outline is divided into sections of presettlement history, the early and late colonial periods, pre-Civil War…

Unfortunately, many students, are failing to learn history. Fifty-seven percent of high school students scored "below basic understanding" on their knowledge of United States history. Interestingly, less than half of the students were familiar with Patrick Henry, the War of 1812, the Marshall Plan, or the Great Society. Perhaps the time…

An eighth grade social studies unit on Maryland geography contains three sections of materials. In the first section, a two-column chart matches grade-level objectives related to Maryland history and geography to specific activities discussed in the second section. A content outline is divided into sections on Maryland as part of the United States…

Materials that portray the contributions of women to Maryland history are featured in this resource kit. Display photographs and short informational profiles about Maryland women are accompanied by classroom activities for grades K-12. Additional suggestions for activities for colleges, universities, and community groups also are included. To aid…

This lesson intends for grade 4 students to enact a scene depicting how Anthony Stewart of Maryland had to destroy his ship, the "Peggy Stewart," and its cargo of tea because he paid taxes to the British--students will add a short scene on what they think might have happened right after the burning of the ship. The lesson presents an…

This packet is designed to raise precollege students' understanding and awareness of writing by women, to encourage women's studies in the curriculum, and to assist in identifying bias in language use and English/language arts curriculum materials. It can also be used by companies or community organizations interested in similar issues. It…

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…

This instructional guide suggests a way for teachers of fourth grade students to organize a social studies unit related to the study of Maryland. The eight to ten week unit is divided into four sections. Section I, a general unit outline, presents organizing concepts and questions, instructional objectives, and suggested topics for study. Section…

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) launched the "Maryland and Your World" project in 1983. The purpose of this project is to assist local school systems in implementing guidelines established by MSDE's curricular framework for the social studies. Goal four of this framework focuses on the ideas, institutions, and processes…

The curriculum guide presents a working draft of the fourth grade component of a K-6 social studies program using the expanding environments approach which was developed by the Allegany County Board of Education in Maryland. The overall objective is to help teachers assist their students in gaining the understanding needed to deal with the…