This document describes how to construct and compare choropleth maps for selected Iowa communities and the construction and use of scatter diagrams as a supplement to map comparisons. These tools can be used to compare social, economic, and political variations between neighborhoods and to determine if associations exist between selected…

These materials discuss the history of Chicago, Illinois, including prominent persons in the city's past, and landmarks for which Chicago is well known. A number of activities are suggested, some of which concern Chicago's industries, historical sites, architecture, newspapers, ethnic groups, and history. A list of books about Chicago for…

The three lessons in this interdisciplinary curriculum unit invite students to explore the meaning of landmarks, places, people, and ideas that distinguish their environment. Lessons include: (1) "Looking Close to Home"; (2) "Moving Out into the Community"; and (3) "Celebrating Landmarks." Each lesson contains student…

Elementary and secondary school teachers interested in developing a local history unit can adapt this fourth grade program created for three school districts in Cortland County, New York. Material is divided into 13 chapters. Chapter 1 charts the New York fourth grade curriculum by concept and content and outlines specific community study…

This guide is intended to assist teachers in organizing and preparing a field trip to Bodie State Historic Park (California). Although it is intended to assist in the trip to Bodie, it also provides information for organizing group tours or family outings to other areas. Activities include before, during, and after visit exercises focusing on the…

Choropleth maps and scattergrams (scatter diagrams) provide a way for teachers to use available statistics from census tracts to map area differences among neighborhoods. This document describes and illustrates a method of constructing and comparing choropleth maps for selected Iowa communities. The use and construction of scatter diagrams as a…

This guide, a revision of the 1985 manual, Archeology Is More than a Dig, is designed to help teachers use archaeology in the classroom and can be used with several disciplines to integrate learning in the elementary classroom. Designed for fifth-grade students, the lessons can be adapted to fit the appropriate skill level of students. Divided…

Critical thinking, responsible citizenship, cultural literacy, social relevancy; these concerns of educators in the social studies can be addressed through teaching and learning about the built environment. The tangible structures that humans have created (bridges, houses, factories, farms, monuments) constitute the built environment. Objects in…

This book is designed to help teachers construct learning centers focusing on the community and community helpers. By using dramatic creative play and simulations, students become more aware of occupations and potential career choices. The career center provides a thematic approach to career education and a foundation for individual and group…

This booklet presents a guide for primary students studying a community. Students are to become aware of the many aspects of their community which make it unique. A variety of educational experiences are included with ideas for group lessons, group projects, individual projects, learning centers, and worksheets. All activities are open-ended so…

Social studies educators can use this long form of the Curriculum Materials Analysis System to analyze curriculum ideas and materials in breadth and depth. The form was revised using feedback from educators in workshops and conferences. Eight major sections deal with product characteristics; rationale and objectives; content; theory and…

This shortened version of the Curriculum Materials Analysis System (CMAS) was designed to serve as a helpful tool for social studies educators involved in the selection of materials for classroom use. It can be used by participants in short workshops of a few hours to a day in length and by the busy administrator or teacher who does not have time…

The spring special theme issue of English Heritage's, "Discover Your Heritage," celebrates half a million years of history. The publication contains a poster and timeline (from Boxgrove to the Channel Tunnel) which should be a useful classroom resource. In the center of the issue is a unique pullout aimed at younger students which…

This teacher's guide utilizes the subject matter in the 1998-99 Texas Almanac in a variety of interdisciplinary student activities for grades 3-8. The guide includes a grade-by-grade curriculum chart detailing which lessons correspond to specific Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) objectives and Essential Element requirements. The 45…

This lesson provides a case study about a U.S. immigrant community of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and offers a contrast to the typical textbook coverage which emphasizes immigration from eastern and southern Europe to the big cities of the northern United States. The lesson focuses on Ybor City (now part of Tampa, Florida); it was a…