This primary source kit offers history teachers the opportunity to use primary sources from the Maryland Historical Society to activate student interest in United States history and to encourage participation in National History Day. This source kit features original documents, images, maps, oral histories, broadsides, and a variety of other…

This middle school unit of study on archaeology is designed so that students become part of the process of historical discovery. The unit aims to bring history alive by revealing parallels between everyday life in ancient times and everyday life today. Students are asked to investigate and interpret artifacts from their own lives and homes.…

This teacher guide is part of the Environmental Inquiry (EI) curriculum series developed at Cornell University to enable high school students to conduct authentic environmental science research. The goals of EI are for students to: (1) develop research skills; (2) use their newly acquired skills to conduct research projects of their own design,…

Discusses an exercise that uses science fiction to generate the interest needed to help inexperienced writers overcome their fear of research and build their research skills. (JL)

Argues that the conventional method of teaching the generic research paper as a separately designated activity is ineffective and misleads students as to the nature of genuine research. (JL)

Describes the use of content analysis by a journalism class in studying television news. Indicates that the method is flexible, generates familiarity with quantitative approaches to the analysis of broadcast journalism, can result in increased awareness of the complexity of the broadcast news medium, and increases student motivation. (TJ)

Notes six guidelines for selecting a research report topic. Shows how a class project on letterhead design not only fulfilled these guidelines but also developed student awareness of stylistic considerations important to effective business communication. (RL)

Describes a research project where students use a wide variety of resources including the Internet to find information for their presentations on epidemiology. Highlights a few web sites that students have found particularly useful and interesting. (JRH)

Discusses the gender gap in science classrooms and how it relates to the confidence and competence of female students in astronomy. Cites specific instructional techniques that are helpful in increasing the participation of females in science and specifically recommends involving students in research. (DDR)

Describes the use of IMSeries software, a relational database capable of implementing curriculum design, in an elementary school. Topics include Big6 research skills; tracking the scope and sequence of curriculum; tying library skills to curricular disciplines; information literacy; and examples of a lesson unit and assessment strategy. (LRW)

Presents a project for students in Art 1 and Art 2 courses in which they created small, clay, animal pots. Describes the process of creating the pots beginning with student research, the project planning stage, and the production of the pot project. (CMK)

Describes a gifted student research activity in which historical novels are evaluated for their historical accuracy. Reports that students are able to integrate their own thoughts with several different sources of information. (RS)

Justifies reasons for using an annual theme in National History Day, and suggests guidelines for selecting a topic. Stresses the importance of the last two words, "in History," urging students to keep historical context in mind. Emphasizes that current events should be considered within the historical milieu and illustrates ways that…

Presents an assignment where students are asked to read, speak, role play, and write on ethical questions, which sharpens and strengthens the research paper component of English composition, while setting the student free in the world of ideas. (RAE)

Describes an inquiry project that middle school students complete during the first quarter of the year, and that serves as a foundation for future inquiry undertakings, research papers, and writing workshops. (SR)