Proposes a list of goals for a research paper and focuses on implementing these goals through application of political/social theory to historical conflict in U.S. history. Demonstrates methodology through a step by step analysis of a specific paper assignment. Concludes that this type of research exercise provides students with a sense of…

Addresses the problem of overcoming the prime time commercial TV stereotype (e.g. "Dynasty,""Hill Street Blues," and "Dallas") of the United States as it is learned by European students. Focuses on European perceptions of post-World War II U. S. foreign policy and the damage that policy does to the image of Americans…

The attacks on New York City and Washington on September 11, 2001, as well as the aborted attack that led to the Pennsylvania crash of United Airlines flight 93 comprised an event too traumatic to quickly set aside. All the things that a nation and its people do to digest, understand and in some sense recover from a cataclysm have been and are…

This book uses human interest stories to explain perplexing behavior from an economic perspective throughout U.S. history. The set of 15 lessons include: (1) "Indentured Servitude: Why Sell Yourself into Bondage?"; (2) "Do the Right Thing: Free the Slaves, Avoid the War"; (3) "Why Would You Raise Chickens When You Don't Like Eggs? -or- Why Did…

The Statue of Liberty, which stands in Upper New York Bay, is a universal symbol of freedom. A gift from France, it originally was conceived as an emblem of the friendship between the people of France and the United States. It has become much more, symbolizing the Mother of Exiles, greeting the millions of immigrants and embodying hope and…

In the absence of official power, women had to find other ways to shape the world in which they lived. The First Ladies of the United States were among the women who were able to play "a significant role in shaping the political and social history of the country, impacting virtually every topic that has been debated." Through this lesson…

In this four-part lesson, students examine the concept of geographic region by exploring the history of the United States Great Plains. In Part I, students gather information about the location and environment of the Great Plains in order to produce a map outlining the region in formal terms. In Part II, students examine how the region has been…

In this lesson, students work with primary documents and latter-day photographs to recapture the experience of traveling on the Oregon Trail. The learning objectives of the lesson are: (1) to learn about the pioneer experience on the Oregon Trail; (2) to evaluate a historical re-enactment in light of documentary evidence; and (3) to synthesize…

Classroom activities for examining effects of war and contemplating world peace are derived from the story of Sadako, a Japanese girl who died as a result of atomic bomb radiation. Making paper cranes, as Sadako did, and participating in schoolwide programs are suggested for primary, middle, and upper grades. (SLD)

Recommends four strategies to reduce problems in developing history curricula: (1) segment U.S. and world history into era-limited courses across the grades; (2) focus on vital episodes, ideas, and personalities; (3) collaborate with colleagues across grades to address common key questions; and (4) stress matters important for civic and personal…

Arranged alphabetically for quick and easy access, this book is a one-stop guide to the U.S. presidency from its beginnings at the Constitutional Convention through its evolution to the modern presidency. Included in the book is information on all the presidents and vice presidents of the United States as well as selected First Ladies, powers of…

This book is a coordinated manual of ideas for the U.S. history teacher in grades 6-12. It is a cooperative effort on the part of the many quoted contributors, each doing his or her bit to improve history teaching in the United States. Chapters include: (1) "Desirable Aims in Teaching United States History"; (2) "Classroom-Centered Activities";…

This 32-page teaching guide accompanies a 55-minute documentary film, structured to be viewed in 1 or 2 classroom sessions. The film relates the story of the 1842 mutiny and hangings aboard the "U.S. Brig Somers." The guide recommends the film for grades 5-8, high school, college, and general audience. It suggests that the film material…

The educational objective of this user's guide is to provide parents, teachers, and administrators with a resource to catalyze a wide range of partnerships and projects. Schools work best when everyone is actively involved so as to demonstrate democracy first hand. This program is designed to promote the democratic process of active citizenship in…

This issue of "Loblolly Magazine" was written in observance of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. entrance into World War II. The publication features interviews conducted by East Texas high school students with Clarence Otterman, one of the few survivors of the crew of the USS Arizona, which was bombed during the attack on Pearl Harbor,…