Asserts that the story of Amelia Earhart holds an ongoing fascination for students. Presents an instructional unit using a spreadsheet to create a database about Earhart's final flight. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and eight graphics of student information or teacher examples. (CFR)

Maintains that history is stories of extraordinary and ordinary people confronting problems not unlike today. Presents and discusses five keys to history: (1) time; (2) place; (3) people--achievements and failures; (4) society--contributions and failures; and (5) connections between past, present, and future. (CFR)

Discusses how teaching about quilts and quilting in elementary social studies provides a more complete view of social history and includes the voices of women and men of different races, cultures, and social classes. Provides suggestions on teaching about quilts and identifies seven children's books on the topic. (CFR)

A Dutch teacher presents reading, film viewing, and writing activities for "Empire of the Sun," J. G. Ballard's autobiographical account of life as a boy in Shanghai and in a Japanese internment camp during World War II (the subject of Steven Spielberg's film of the same name). Includes objectives, procedures, and several literature,…

Discusses the concept of social mathematics in which numerical information is connected to the people and issues of social studies. Maintains elementary students can learn that data represent information from the real world. Includes class activities using historical timelines, data collection, and database computer programs. (CFR)

Encapsulates learning activities that correspond to (but are not bound by) a tour of the Liberty Bell site. The activities can supplement either a lesson plan or unit of study. Instructional materials include background reading, handouts, maps, photographs, and a chronology of events. (MJP)

Praises the Laura Ingalls Wilder books for their realistic portrayal of 19th-century prairie life. Recommends using the books as source material for a variety of social studies classes. Provides a list of suggested activities collected under broad topics including housing, unusual weather phenomena, medical care, and clothing. (MP)

This brief paper describes a school class project in which students "write" their own history books, based upon extensive research and writing activities. The guide advocates this as a way to create more interest in the subject area and allow students to become more involved in their own learning. Sections include: rationale; who could use; goals;…

Designed to show parents how to turn their children's questions into opportunities for learning, this book provides advice, activities, books, and resources which prompt parents and children to remain curious learners. The activities in each chapter of the book will help children find ways to apply what they know and discover their personal…

This publication is intended for teachers bringing a class to visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C., for a workshop on primary documents. The National Archives serves as the repository for all federal records of enduring value. Primary sources are vital teaching tools because they actively engage the student's imagination so that he or…

This paper describes six strategies for California teachers to consider in teaching the state's history-social science curriculum to educationally disadvantaged students. The six strategies are: (1) enriching history through literature; (2) connecting history with other learnings; (3) connecting history to personal experience; (4) adapting to…

This document presents lesson plans for instruction concerning the history and geography of the continent of Africa. Topics include: (1) "The Challenge of Teaching African History and Culture" (Robert Hamilton); (2) "A Physical Overview of Africa" (Robert Hamilton and Kim Lilly); (3) "A Cultural Overview of Africa"…

Part 2 of this five part project asks students of the Tasmanian region of Australia to explore the history of Port Arthur, a 19th century penal colony located in Tasmania. The project is based on three ideas: (1) studying history can be educational and enjoyable; (2) imagination is an essential part of studying history; and (3) history is most of…

In view of the growing interdependence of nations and peoples, this bulletin is designed to prepare students for the future through a global history course. The course includes two major emphases: regional history and the interrelationships among regions dating from 1500 to the present. Theme I, entitled "Many Factors Influence the…

This ideabook provides materials for teachers of amnesty (amnesty is the legalization of undocumented immigrants who can prove entrance to the United States prior to 1982) classes that address all their responsibilities--English-as-a-Second-Language instruction and civics content, documentation of student progress, and keeping of accurate…