This essay suggests two innovative instructional approaches for using popular Black music as a model for historical study in the classroom: (1) biographies of popular music artists; and (2) lyrical demonstration of social themes. A list of lyric and album resources is provided. (Author/EB)

States that children's literature is an excellent resource for presenting a deeper perspective of the lifestyle of blacks before the Civil Rights era. Discusses four specific books that can be used to teach a unit of instruction on this topic. Includes suggestions for class activities. (AEM)

Contends that poetry is a particularly useful and engaging vehicle for revealing the complexities of a historical moment. Outlines three exercises on poetry and history designed as adjunct activities that may be used with the specified historical periods. Focuses on the experiences of African Americans. Includes three handouts with reading…

Suggests a history lesson using a petition written by prominent African Americans objecting to the coverage of African Americans at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Explains that African-American citizens were largely ignored in the exhibits. Includes questions for class discussion, writing activities, a copy of the petition, and research…

Presents a lesson on Betsey Sompayrac, a free woman of color living in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Focuses on her will and its contents and historical issues surrounding the will. Students transcribe the will and write a paper, drawing conclusions from the document. Includes a transcription of the will and the document assignment. (CMK)

Discusses how to use music when teaching U.S. History. Provides examples such as teaching about the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War and showing the contributions of African Americans. Includes a discography. (CMK)

This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file "Glen Echo Amusement Park," park planning documents, and newspaper and magazine accounts. The lesson can be used in U.S. history units on the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era to explore religious and educational reform movements (including the Chautauqua…

This packet contains student materials and a teacher's guide. The materials are designed to make complex international issues understandable and meaningful for students. The unit probes the political, moral, and racial issues raised by the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of an overseas empire. Students compare the values and concerns at…

Presents a lesson plan to teach students about the Black Codes created in Virginia during the eighteenth century. Explains that the students read the included primary document, gather in groups to answer a set of questions, and meet as a class to relate their answers. (CMK)

Presents a lesson focusing on the history of slavery. Compares two systems of slavery in North America to teach students about slavery within and outside of the United States. States that the lesson uses the "Code Noir" to help students understand the similarities and differences between the systems. (CMK)

Describes the film, "Glory," that focuses on the experience of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry. Discusses topics and issues, such as racial relations viewed within the film. Asserts that this film helps students question the role of film makers when depicting history on the screen. (CMK)

This printed guide for viewing the Public Television series, "Africans in America," first points out that the series, told from multiple perspectives and informed by "leading-edge" scholars, illuminates U.S. history from 1607 to 1861: how Africans and Europeans together built a new nation even as they struggled over the meaning…

Explores the use of primary sources when teaching about U.S. slavery. Includes primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Documents Collection (New York Historical Society) to teach about the role of slaves in the Revolutionary War, such as a proclamation from Lord Dunmore offering freedom to slaves who joined his army. (CMK)

Presents a lesson for teaching students about slavery in the United States by using slavery petitions. Describes a lesson that spans over two class periods, explaining that on the first day students listen to an interview with Professor Loren Schweninger about the "Talking History" program. Includes reproductions of the petitions. (CMK)

This unit on Wyoming's early settlement and ethnic groups provides concepts, activities, stories, charts, and graphs for elementary school students. Concepts include the attraction Wyoming held for trappers; the major social, economic, and religious event called "The Rendezvous"; the different ethnic and religious groups that presently…