Effective citizen participation implies the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary for discussing and deciding national security issues. This book was developed to provide teachers with resources to design and strengthen national security education. The 30 self-contained lessons supplement and enrich current textbook treatment of national…

Designed for use by intermediate and junior high school students, this paper gives first-hand information on the U.S. territory of the Virgin Islands. Material is divided into five sections. An introduction outlines the basic geographic, economic, social, and educational characteristics of the territory. Separate sections then focus on each of…

Designed to supplement the conventional textbook treatment of Louisiana history, this booklet of primary source material exposes junior high school students not only to history but to the events of those who lived it. Students develop an appreciation for the work and technical skills used in the writing of history and a sensitivity to history as…

Using three landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, this lesson teaches students in grades seven through twelve about the benefits and limits of free speech. (JDH)

This lesson plan collection focuses on attitudes and opinions held by Native Americans and European Americans about the United States. The lesson plans are arranged in four sections: (1) "Ancestral Lands" (Debating for Land; Making Treaties and Weaving Wampum; Pipestone Quarry and Westward Expansion: Whose Rock Is It Anyway); (2)…

This document consists of a package of seven separately published "activities" or simulations that allow students to learn about and participate in many of the aspects of United States history that have influenced our present institutions and way of life. The seven units include: (1) First Americans Arrive: 11.000 BC; (2) Puritan General Court,…

This booklet for juvenile readers describes the creation, structure, and activities of the United Nations. The book also examines how the role of the United Nations has changed since the end of the Cold War, citing specific UN actions and the issues surrounding difficult and expensive operations. The booklet provides an overview of ideas about how…

This packet provides primary source documents and lesson plans relating to the study of Jackie Robinson as a civil rights advocate. The legendary baseball player, Jack Roosevelt Robinson, was the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the 20th century. Jackie Robinson was not only a stellar baseball player, but he…

These texts are part of a continuing series on current and historical international issues, placing special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. They evaluate the U.S. relationship with poor countries, particularly the effectiveness of foreign aid, trade benefits, and other economic levers; and…

This performance guide is designed for teachers to use with students before and after a performance of "The Color of Justice," by Cheryl L. Davis, the true story of the fight for freedom of an elementary school girl and an outspoken lawyer in the 1950s, and how they teamed up to change forever the way black and white Americans lived and…

These newsletter volumes deal with topics in U.S. history, world history, and U.S. government relating to the Bill of Rights. The newsletters present background information for classroom reading, in some instances provide a list of topical issues, and offer activities for discussion and writing. Some of the topics considered in the newsletters…

Presents a critical review of "The Oregon Trail" CD-ROMs. Argues that "The Oregon Trail" is sexist, racist, culturally insensitive, and contemptuous of the earth, imparting bad values and wrong history. Suggests questions teachers can ask before choosing to use these materials, and offers classroom activities to develop students' critical computer…

Illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of oral histories through an oral history assignment that helps students understand the impact of the Vietnam War on the "Vietnam generation." Suggests introductory materials and lists exemplar interview questions for students to use in interviewing soldiers who were on active duty and those who…

Presents background information and learning activities about Camp Hoover, the presidential retreat built by President Hoover and later renamed Camp David. Includes three readings, three maps, two photographs, two drawings, and four student activities. (CFR)

Presents a chart containing minibiographies of African Americans and highlighting the contributions they have made to society. The biographies are arranged under the headings science and medicine, pioneers, literature, public figures, the arts, and sports. Each biography is followed by questions and suggestions for additional research. (SM)