Enumerates ways in which social studies classroom teachers can increase student interest in American history by incorporating studies of ethnic groups at various points in history into the curriculum. (DB)

Chronicles the growth of oral history since 1948 and describes several classroom projects using the oral/aural technique. Projects focus on oral war accounts, an oral history of local businesses, and oral validity in history. (Author/DB)

Describes a local history project in which high school students located valuable historic photographs on the local community and reproduced them on 35mm slides. An historic photo archive consisting of the slides accompanied by documentary materials was created. Procedures for creating and suggestions for using a photo archive are included. (KC)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

Discusses the unique perspective that the built environment brings to the study of history. Presents questions that can be used to analyze a building to examine identification, form, function, and impact. Suggests that studying a building is like conducting a micro study of the development of a society. (DK)

Advocates the use of archaeology and anthropology as tools for delivering multicultural education in the elementary setting. Argues that archaeology demonstrates to children the ways that various cultures have solved problems related to a common set of human needs. Discusses curriculum design and includes two lesson plans. (DSK)

Assesses advancements made in injecting women's history into the secondary curriculum, especially in relation to calls by the National Council for the Social Studies for a more balanced social studies curriculum. Discusses actions that teachers and administrators can take to infuse women's history into their classes. Includes a sample lesson plan.…

Provides information on Manifest Destiny and the expansionist ideals of the United States, especially during the 19th century. Offers a lesson plan that will help students understand the concept of Manifest Destiny, including an assessment activity, how to expand the lesson, an appendix, and references. (CMK)

In this article, the author describes a social studies class activity that uses primary sources to develop a soap opera based on the American Civil War. In the soap opera activity, students can watch historical characters as they grow, develop, and change. Not only do people in the soap opera develop over a long period, but their accumulated…

Through the use of case studies, the classroom teacher can integrate environmental history into the social studies course, emphasizing the historical nature of environmental problems. Students can then apply the resulting knowledge, sensitivity, and awareness to developing attitudes and strengthening concerns for present and future ecological…

The author offers suggestions for an approach to teaching about Africa. Emphasis is placed upon the variety and complexity of African cultures, societies, languages, customs, religions, and history. (DE)

The legend of the gunfighter-lawman, frontier justice, and the extent of violence in western history are suggested as possible course content to make history more relevant and interesting. (DE)

States that children's literature is an excellent resource for presenting a deeper perspective of the lifestyle of blacks before the Civil Rights era. Discusses four specific books that can be used to teach a unit of instruction on this topic. Includes suggestions for class activities. (AEM)

Described is the City-Wide Learning Community program, a "school without walls" project that involves students at Cincinnati's Hughes High School in teleconference question-and-answer sessions with prominent persons throughout the United States. The students are now planning a half-hour international teleconference with young people in…

Living in Europe offers alternatives for gaining perspective on American history: 1) history is viewed from afar; 2) structures or situations similar to those which existed in American long ago are witnessed or experienced; 3) European history spans a longer time period than American is realized. New perspectives are discussed. (Author/RM)