Presents an oral history activity in which students discuss the relationship between historical events and their own lives, reflecting on their potential for influencing history. Points out that history flows in two directions, showing how events affect individual lives, and how individuals can impact on history. (LS)

Discusses how English/language-arts teachers can actively teach students to use a socially critical lens for thinking. Considers three modes of teaching this. Discusses how, once students have a least 10 notebook entries focused on social issues, "noticings," and questions, they should be able to reread their notebooks for themes that have…

Presents a lesson that: (1) explores how Stephen Decatur's mansion reflected the importance that the politically ambitious once placed on being in close proximity to sites of authority; and (2) examines Decatur's duel with Commodore Barron in 1820 in order to illustrate how "gentlemen" handled conflicts that compromised their sense of…

The booklet is part of a grade 10-12 social studies series produced for bilingual education. The series consists of six major thematic modules, with four to five booklets in each. The interdisciplinary modules are based on major ideas and are designed to help students understand some major human problems and make sound, responsive decisions to…

This 3- to 5-day currriculum unit for secondary students centers around four possible directions for U.S. foreign policy during the 1990s. Designed as a culminating exercise at the end of the year or as an introductory activity to open the semester, this unit, and the possible futures it presents, should be thought of as a vehicle for guiding…

One of a series of units on business issues designed for secondary school students, this packet focuses on the landlord-tenant relationship as it is affected by political and economic forces. A teacher's guide and student materials are provided in two separate sections. Following an overview of objectives and activities, the teacher's guide…

Due to his dissatisfaction with the Diaz government, Jose Vasconcelos joined the revolutionary leader Francisco Madero, who along with other rebel leaders, brought an end to the Diaz regime in 1911. Vasconcelos shared the successes and misfortunes that followed Diaz's overthrow. When the Madero government came to an abrupt end in 1913, Vasconcelos…

Examines the concept of political socialization and the sources of distinctiveness in Canadian political life. Focuses on relations between French and English Canada, regional differences, governmental machinery, civic education, and media influences. (DB)

Addresses the need for implementing computer technology in social studies programs. Offers five different constructs for teachers to consider when applying computer technology in social studies classrooms, and the topic of development in particular. Gives a list of Web sites, each with accompanying abstracts, on development issues, map resources,…

This document is part of a series of units in United States history. It is designed for teachers to use in teaching colonial history and the American Revolution in greater depth than that provided in many textbooks. The unit contains 16 chapters, the first of which explains the unit's focus on four kinds of questions of interest to historians.…

The prevalent use of sophisticated advertising techniques in political campaigns presents the great danger that citizens can be manipulated to make political decisions out of emotion rather than rational thought. Citizens must be provided with the educational tools needed to detect the bias, distortion, and other tactics used to influence them.…

This book accompanied by a student workbook and teacher's guide, was written to help secondary school students to explore the history, culture, and dynamics of Michigan's indigenous peoples, the American Indians. Three chapters on the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibway (or Chippewa) peoples follow an introduction on the prehistoric roots of Michigan…

Unit 3 of a six-unit series on Indiana state history designed to be taught in Indiana secondary schools tells the story of Indiana from 1829 to 1908. Chapter 1 discusses national issues in an Indiana context. The effects of social movements such as Abolition, the underground railroad, and the Fugitive Slave Law on Indiana politics are examined.…

This is an annotated list of over 400 resource books and films on Jewish history before the Holocaust, the history and development of Nazism, experiences during the Holocaust and its aftermath, and the phenomenon of prejudice and anti-Semitism. Designed primarily for teachers and librarians in secondary schools and to some extent in elementary…

Traces the history of political cartoons in the United States from the first (Benjamin Franklin's "Unite or Die") in 1754 to the present. Discusses three requirements for effective cartoons, and identifies important cartoonists and their work. Characterizes political cartoons as one of the United States' liveliest, most enjoyable, and…