Provides excerpts from five primary sources concerning the lives of women in California from 1850 to 1942. Notes sources and includes discussion questions, as well as an oral history interview. (CK)

Discusses contributions women have made to the growth and development of society in California throughout the state's history. Presents reasons why women largely have been ignored by California history textbooks. Argues that students can benefit from a study of California women. (DB)

Presents a lesson plan integrating fifth language arts and social studies. Students wrote letters to the editors of newspapers in the 50 states and received hundreds of postcards and letters that were displayed throughout the classroom. Includes photographs of the students and postcards. Suggests that the activity teaches history and geography…

This famous Spanish explorer's journey through California is described along with a similar journey in 1976 designed to celebrate the Bicentennial. (DE)

Herbert Hoover articulated and personified a vision of America with which every high school student should be familiar. Presented is a unit of study for high school students that presents the real Herbert Hoover by surveying his lifetime, not just his presidency. (RM)

Provides an annotated bibliography of educational resources that can be used to support instructional units on the Gold Rush or the sesquicentennial of California's statehood. The materials include workbooks, videos, teacher's guides, monographs, and magazines. Offers a brief history of the Gold Rush and a set of relevant discussion questions.…

Maintains that literary fiction may be used to enhance students' understanding of an historical period. Demonstrates how Steinbeck's GRAPES OF WRATH may be used to convey the human side of problems, sufferings, and triumphs that the United States experienced during the Great Depression. (JDH)

A study of several versions of the Educational Testing Service's Achievement Test in American History and Social Studies casts doubt upon the claim that the test accurately assesses historical knowledge. Suggestions for improving the Achievement Test are made. (RM)

The books, special library collections, audiovisual aids, journals, and other resources described in this bibliographic essay will be helpful to elementary and secondary California teachers in state and local history courses. (SR)

A local focus for Bicentennial activities is emphasized. (DE)

Several student activities designed to celebrate the Bicentennial are suggested. (DE)

A brief history of gold coins minted in California during the gold rush period is provided. (DE)

Describes seven resources on curriculum development in social studies found in the ERIC system. Among the cited items are journal articles on various aspects of the social studies scope and sequence and an ERIC document on the role of secondary social studies in developing technological literacy. (JDH)

Provides a review of Mortimer J. Adler's 1987 book, WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS. States that Adler's book offers a useful "behind the pages" look at constitutional ideas and provides material for exciting lesson plans and fascinating class discussions. (JDH)

Eleventh grade U.S. history, as described in the 1981 California History/Social Science Framework, should not be taught using a chronological approach. Instead, the course should be based on selected "regional" focal points and students given the opportunity to study different historical accounts and interpretations of the same events.…