Describes a writing assignment that uses the song "America the Beautiful" to point the following six reasons why America is beautiful: skies, mountains, grain, Pilgrims, heroes, and dreams. (NKA)

Provides a brief account of early French contacts with various north and south American natives. Includes a reproduction of an early woodcut depicting Brazilian natives and a statement by Father Charles Lalement which characterizes the American Indians as filthy, violent savages. (JDH)

A broad, hemispheric approach to American history, called the Bolton thesis or a history of the Americas, can contribute something unique to a college curriculum formerly dependent on the more traditional surveys. It also poses some extraordinary challenges. Guidelines for teaching such a course are presented. (RM)

Argues for the effectiveness of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as a tool for increasing racial understanding. Suggests that class discussion of the book can make Black students feel as though they have valuable insights to contribute. Concludes that students' emotional reactions to Twain's novel demonstrate the continuing relevance of…

Explains how to create a paper replica of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, an ancient timepiece thought to have been constructed by the Lakota Indians around 1700 A.D. The Bighorn Wheel uses four key seasonal stars as well as the solstice sunrise and sunset to mark the passage of time through the summer. (WRM)

This 16-unit text is an instructor guide and student workbook in one text to accompany a videotape for intermediate and advanced English-as-a-Second-Language students, focusing on some of the different functions and idiomatic uses of the English language. Goals are to bridge the gap between classroom English and real-life English and to improve…

This curriculum unit offers students the opportunity to become researchers of history. The curriculum is organized among three sections: (1) "Context," students are introduced to early seagoing peoples, their ideas and technologies, and to related ideas from Renaissance Europe; (2) "Voyages," students conduct individual…

Describes how the integration of popular music and regional literature can be an enjoyable and successful experience as well as an interesting and effective teaching strategy. (AEA)

Presents a 2- to 3-hour teaching unit dealing with conflict between Whites and Indians, taking as an example the Black Hawk War. The reports of Chief Black Hawk and of historian Billington (sources for both are given) are taken as a basis for discussion. (IFS/WGA)

Discusses the value of various kinds of folk dances for providing variation from the daily school routine. Suggestions are given for their introduction and use in the English as a second language class. (IFS/WGA)

A children's book author explains why she chose to write "Encounter," an accurate story of Christopher Columbus's first meeting with the gentle Taino tribe 500 years ago. The article presents suggestions for using "Encounter" as a springboard for activities to help elementary students interpret history. (SM)

Traces historically nonmainstream lifestyles in America. Notes that the country extols individual freedom, yet citizens are encouraged to create a collective identity. Reviews children's books on the subject. Lists characteristics of books on alternative lifestyles. Presents a workshop on books on alternative lifestyles; provides 10 questions for…

This social studies curriculum guide for grade 10 in Manitoba, Canada, examines the characteristics of the physical and social environments of North America and analyzes the interrelationships among them. The primary focus is on Canada and the United States with a secondary focus on Central America. The study has been divided into the following…

Designed to be a resource for the myriad K-12 teachers who wonder what to do about grammar--how to teach it, how to apply it, how to learn what they themselves were never taught---this book offers an informal, hands-on approach to grammar in the classroom. The book presents teachers with ways to negotiate the often conflicting goals of testing,…

This book is about women who have made contributions that have changed the world and continue to change lives, sometimes having overcome enormous social obstacles. It examines American history to find women who have invented for fun and profit, invented to make their own lives better, and who, as a result of their employment by the National…