Describes the JASON project, a joint project of the National Council for Social Studies and the National Science Teachers Association. Provides a sample lesson on the Punic Wars in which students study the relationship between shipbuilding and Rome's ascendancy to power. Explores the links among technology, science, and social studies. (RW)

Asserts that professors of U.S. history have an important stake in the publication of standards for teaching history in the public schools. Discusses the development of the standards and controversies that emerged. Concludes that college historians will benefit if the voluntary standards are implemented. (CFR)

Provides two lesson plans for classroom use. Focuses on media influence on the use of alcohol and tobacco and on regulatory laws and their effect on drug use. Identifies connections that can be made to textbooks and magazine articles, as well as suggestions for opening, developing, and concluding each lesson. (DK)

Presents three exercises, employing research of census materials (available from the National Archives), and class or independent field trips to cemeteries, historical societies, and libraries to teach immigration history. Advocates primary sources as teaching resources for family history studies. Includes three documents for classroom use.…

Asserts that maps and map study are essential to understand history and develop historical perspective. Presents a learning activity using maps to illustrate the importance of geography in U.S. history. Includes four maps and recommended teaching procedures. (CFR)

Presents a classroom lesson in which students interpret historical cause and effect through the analysis of U.S. census data. Recommends the use of local historical census data to help students learn about their community's experience. Includes a map and charts of census data. (CFR)

Describes the experiences of one high school class as they attempted to sort out the conflicting representations of Christopher Columbus. The students examined several textbooks and other histories. They then conducted a mock trial to determine if Columbus should be considered a criminal, a hero, or both. (MJP)

Summarizes the experience of Mexican and Hispanic women in the United States from the 1540 Coronado expedition to the present. Fascinating historical details (for example, the Spanish government subsidized petticoats and stockings for 16th- century women settlers) help to dispel many simplistic stereotypes. Includes brief profiles of Hispanic…

Documents and examines the Puerto Rican experience in New York City. Outlines a lesson plan that includes background material, major ideas, and discussion questions. Includes three long excerpts from Puerto Rican women immigrants reminiscing about their early experiences in New York. (MJP)

Advocates a teaching strategy based on empowering students and expanding their opportunities to learn. Using hypertext as a model, articulates a teaching strategy where a chronological-based textbook forms the instructional "spine." Student discussion groups and lectures act as variant pathways. Electronic resources and communications…

Considers the controversies surrounding the traditional approach to teaching American History (focusing on a series of shared experiences and institutions) and the subsequent criticism that it excludes "other" experiences. Warns against the simplistic presentation of a single celebratory past while concluding that Americans share common…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 17 resources for teaching multicultural women's history, and recommends several publishers that offer resource materials. Looks at books for students, curriculum guides, reference books, films, and videos on the topic. (LS)

Asserts that, at the time of the American Revolution, most people handled their own health care. Presents a lesson plan on illness and health care in colonial America that uses Martha Washington as a case study. Includes a reproduction of a colonial era herbal manual and excerpts from letters discussing health care. (CFR)

Presents the National History Standards for United States History, grades 5 through 12. Includes an overview of 10 chronological time periods. Provides student objectives and recommended learning activities. (CFR)

Presents a lesson plan for teaching the history of the southeastern United States from the time of the first Spanish explorations to the time of colonization. Includes preparatory activity for students, a shared reading, suggested questions for classroom discussion, and a session utilizing maps. Discusses decimation of the society and debate…