A REPORT OF THE 10TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE GUIDE TO EDUCATE SEVENTH GRADERS ABOUT RUSSIA INCLUDED THE HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE, IDEOLOGY, AND AIMS OF THE U.S.S.R. OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS AND TO USE THE INDUCTIVE METHOD WERE SUGGESTED. A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND SUMMARIES OF EVENTS IN RUSSIAN HISTORY WERE…

Primary source materials and excerpts from books concerning three types of autocracy--the divine right of kings, benevolent despotism, and totalitarianism--are provided for use with secondary students. Discussion questions are included. (RM)

Provides an extensive annotated bibliography of materials on 18th century Latin America. The bibliography is divided into three sections: An introductory overview; selected topics such as The Enlightenment and women; and major regions. (AEM)

Presents facts and figures about the U.S. Constitutional Convention from the original proposal at the 1786 Annapolis Convention through the ratification process. Lists the rules adopted for the Convention, provides demographic data about the delegates, and includes a selected bibliography of books and articles. (GEA)

States that local history can be effective in helping students better understand the broader scope of history. Identifies four ERIC documents which will help social studies teachers incorporate local history in their classrooms. Provides bibliographic citations and ordering information. (GEA)

Discusses public interest in historical novels and television programs. Argues that well-researched historical novels can be used in history classes to promote a deeper understanding of the past. Analyzes various types of historical fiction (e.g., historical romances and "alternative-path" stories) in terms of their historical integrity…

Discusses the the vicissitudes of history teaching in China and the compilation of curricula since 1949. There had been and continues to be very little history taught in China's schools. Policies governing the writing and dissemination of curriculum materials about the past have varied over the years. (RM)

This resource manual, built around 1,200 classroom activities, was created by elementary, middle, and high school teachers for teachers who wish to engage in an inquiry-based approach to historical knowledge and historical understanding. The teaching examples are offered as sample activities and are not considered to be a complete curriculum. The…

Presents an annotated bibliography of books on the Holocaust suitable for young adults. Describes Holocaust institutions and their resources. Provides an address for teachers interested in contacting a Holocaust institute in their area. Discusses the proliferation of teaching resources on the Second World War and their value in the classroom. (RW)

Presents a plan for studying the First Book of Samuel as a way to teach history using original text. Outlines a unit dealing with the establishment of the Jewish monarchy. Contends that the Old Testament is either neglected or presented inadequately for understanding history or building faith. (KO)

Outlines procedures for locating and using primary source materials to supplement state or local history studies, listing possible resources for primary source materials. Points out precautions to be taken when working with these materials. Demonstrates how primary sources can be made available to students. (LS)

Describes a collection of materials on Czechoslovakia that can be ordered as teaching aides to connect history lessons on democracy to the present situation in Europe. Contains the following materials: (1) a biographical profile of Vaclav Havel; (2) maps; (3) literature; (4) photos; (5) readings; and (6) teaching activities. (JS)

Presents a lesson plan utilizing personal letters of ordinary people to teach U.S. history. Suggests that the lesson can teach about the historical information available in personal letters, develop analytical skills through use of primary sources, and increase students' understanding of minority issues. Includes four letters to use as handouts.…

Presents a teaching unit tracing the last three decades of cultural history in the United States through television programs. Includes objectives, daily routines, questions, and a list of representative shows. Suggests that students compare and contrast situation comedies from each decade and examine new programs for cultural awareness and…

Discusses the Columbus Quincentenary and its impact on the K-12 history and social studies curriculum. Reviews the differences of opinion about Christopher Columbus and the results of the voyages of discovery. Warns that teachers must be wary of instructional materials that are based on political and social ideologies. (CFR)