Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange's photojournalist activism during World War II was a direct response to President Franklin Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 (EO 9066), which led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans in 10 camps across seven mostly western states. Approximately two-thirds of those imprisoned were U.S.…

Historians have long appreciated the value of the U.S. Census as a source of statistical data for studying nineteenth- and twentieth-century American history. However, in ways that many other primary source documents do not, the census reflects and addresses social, political, and economic issues on national, state, and community levels…

This article describes a lesson plan that encouraged the usage of digital tools to enhance inquiry as a key tool in teaching elementary social studies. The lesson revolved around a field trip to the home of Civil War Governor Oliver P. Morton (Centerville, Indiana). The active, investigative, and questioning nature of inquiry in social studies…

This issue of the children's quarterly magazine, "The Goldfinch," focuses on World War I. A brief discussion of how the United States came to enter the War is followed by a discussion of propaganda. An article on the use of posters to encourage citizens to participate in the war effort is illustrated with reproductions of several of…

This textbook aims to make the history of the country interesting to children, and, therefore, easily learned and long remembered. The chapters cover epochs and the lessons are topics or events within the epoch. Each lesson is a unit in itself and should be so considered in teaching the text. Topics included in this book cover the old world;…

Describes a role-playing activity designed to show how the United States began its involvement in Vietnam. Provides sample handouts assigning students to support either the French or Vietnamese side of a debate. The teacher assumes the role of President Truman who must decide which side will receive U.S. support. (GEA)

This packet suggests activities and events that school districts, schools, classes, and educational organizations can conduct to commemorate World War II. Suggestions are made to include local veterans, including those in veteran's and nursing homes and hospitals, and youth at every possible opportunity. Recognition can take the form of military…

This flexible resource teaching package describes the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg and explores how conflicts begin and how they can be ended. Lessons address visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners while fostering critical thinking skills as students read, write, analyze, and draw conclusions. Role playing and other creative activities are…

At the First Battle of Manassas (Virginia) in 1861 many Union doctors fled the battlefield in fear. Those who remained found themselves without adequate medical supplies or ambulances for their patients. As the U.S. Civil War progressed and casualties mounted, military surgeons became more adept at caring for the wounded. By the Battle of…

Describes how the author teaches a four-week course on the Vietnam War giving attention to the books, films, and guest speakers used. States that the course enables students to understand the significant and complex issues raised by the war so that they can appreciate the different truths contained in diverse perspectives. (GEA)

This teacher's guide accompanies the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) four episode videotape documentary about the U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848). The documentary tells the story of a war that transformed a continent; and a war in which Mexico lost almost half of its national territory to the United States. The guide introduces the documentary's…

In this activity for secondary social studies students both rock and country-western music are used to analyze the different views held about the Vietnam War for nearly a decade. Specific songs are suggested. (RM)

Using primary source documents, this teaching unit focuses on the role monuments and memorials play in the culture. Teacher background materials include a unit overview and unit context, correlation to National Standards for United States History, unit objectives, a lesson plan list, and historical background on commemorative sculpture in the…

Describes a course on the Vietnam War presented by the author to 19 secondary school teachers. The course sought to increase competency in teaching about the war by using readings, lectures, and guest speakers. Concludes that the course was a success because participants encouraged others in their departments to include the topic in their…

Describes the author's methods of teaching a high school course on the Vietnam War. The methods encourage student participation in discussions, role playing, and the questioning of guest speakers. Includes a list of written and audio visual materials used in the course. (GEA)