Emphasizes that to understand the American West, one must realize the central importance of the environment to its inhabitants. Provides an overview of western environmental history. Discusses state and federal reclamation efforts, the role of public lands, and the growth of conservation and preservation movements. (KO)

This lesson focuses on specific places in Chicago's Black Metropolis and analyzes the process by which buildings in that district become historic structures. The lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file "Black Metropolis Thematic Nomination" and other primary and secondary sources. The unit could be…

Explores the modern history of homework, beginning with its origins in eighteenth-century England. Discusses early educational reformers' resistance to homework. Reports that former Soviet space advances spurred a U.S. reexamination of homework through the 1960s and 1970s. Examines the contemporary view of homework as an inexpensive means of…

The second in a three-part geographical education series, this article focuses on human-environmental relations in the geographical area including Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The article examines how the historical and cultural roots of the people of Middle America have influenced their interaction with and modification of…

Presents a secondary lesson for high school students based on a controversial 1892 proposal in Congress to reduce the size of Yosemite National Park. Includes a map and petition signed by John Muir, the first president of the Sierra Club, which was formed to oppose the proposal. The lesson includes class discussion and activity suggestions. (CFR)

In 1804, Lewis and Clark and a band of adventurers called the Corps of Discovery embarked on one of the great expeditions in history, the exploration of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Much of their time was spent on the Missouri River. Two hundred years later, four friends follow Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri. Their journey…

This final issue of the "Indiana History Bulletin" focuses on Indiana barns. Four articles feature the barn theme: (1) "Smithsonian Exhibit on Barns Will Tour Indiana in 2001-2002"; (2) "Indiana Barns," which contains several photographs of old barns; (3) "Indiana Barn Types," which contains drawings of…

The United States Capitol building fashions an historical awe that includes images of the founding fathers, legislative branch, executive branch, and the American people. Even though it was built for elected officials to take care of governmental business, it serves to represent the democratic republic from which the United States was created.…

This bulletin has been prepared to assist teachers and persons serving on curriculum committees in improving the quality of unit teaching and planning for elementary schools. The suggestions and illustrations grow out of a study made by the author of over 500 social studies units which were published during the last few years. They also result…

The Alaskan Klondike Gold Rush coincided with major events, including the arrival of the railroad, and it exemplified continuing trends in Seattle's (Washington) history. If not the primary cause of the city's growth and prosperity, the Klondike Gold Rush nonetheless serves as a colorful reflection of the era and its themes, including the…

Advocates a greater emphasis upon rural history through the study of the farming frontier. Suggests methods for introducing this topic to students. Criticizes Turner's thesis for not recognizing the extent of homesteading after 1890 and for concentrating only on agrarian settlement in the Midwest. (KO)

Recounts the author's experience of returning home to China after three years of study in the United States. Highlights the differences between the U.S. and Chinese cultures, focusing on how the author changed during his international experience, and how China had changed in his absence. Includes suggestions for social studies teachers who wish to…

This book records the history of schools attended by Americans of Japanese ancestry, focusing on efforts by the Japanese community in California to maintain its linguistic and cultural heritage. The main focus of the book is on the period from the early 20th century to World War II. The book examines conditions during the War and in the postwar…

The freedom of teaching around 1935 is compared to academic freedom today. Unfortunately, today there remain serious restrictions on the freedom to teach and learn social studies. (RM)

Offers suggestions on finding sources on the historiography of local history. Examines books useful to the local historian, including books on local social history and studies on immigrants, minorities, and women. Suggests the use of visual versions of local history. Discusses architectural histories, landmarks, and the use of primary sources. (RW)