Fear has shaped events throughout U.S. history, as those who have possessed fear have weaponized this emotion to justify violence and oppression while others have used fear as an impetus for radical resistance. Fear, however, has been an under-researched emotion in history education. Using critical discourse analysis methods, in this article I aim…

"Teaching History with Museums" provides an introduction and overview of the rich pedagogical power of museums. In this comprehensive textbook, the authors show how museums offer a sophisticated understanding of the past and develop habits of mind in ways that are not easily duplicated in the classroom. Using engaging cases to illustrate…

Educators in Virginia were asked to identify instructional objectives in social studies for grades K-12. Results indicated that the grades K-3 should focus on affective educational goals, grades 4-6 goals should emphasize cognitive outcomes, grade 7-8 goals should stress skill development and cognitive educational objectives, and grades 9-12…

Three research projects were conducted over a three year period among secondary school students in the United Kingdom, the United States (Virginia), and West Germany in order to determine students' understanding the 40-year confrontation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact. These studies included 1991 students…

Summarizes a study in which 83 social studies educators in Virginia were given a 45-item questionnaire to determine differences as to the purpose, method, and content of social studies education. Results indicated general confusion among social studies educators regarding these issues. Implications of these findings are discussed. (Author/DB)

In 1995, the Virginia Board of Education published Virginia state Standards of Learning in English, mathematics, science, and history and social science for kindergarten through grade 12. The Standards of Learning provide a framework for instructional programs designed to raise the academic achievement of all Virginia public school students. The…

This book explores the history of the Virginia colony from the early 18th century to the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Virginia, the oldest and most prosperous of Great Britain's North American colonies, assumed a leading role in the political life of the colonies. Some in 17th century Virginia had seen political…

Addresses the "Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning," focusing on its strengths and weaknesses. Discusses the application of the state standards in Fairfax County (Virginia) and the work of the four task force groups. Contends that historians should be involved in educational reform. (CMK)

This teacher's guide provides materials and suggestions for including archaeology in the classroom as a way to develop interdisciplinary lessons and excite curiosity in students. Archaeology can be used to build knowledge and skills in a number of subject areas. The booklet is divided into the following sections: (1) Introduction; (2) "What…

This teacher's packet provides background materials for teachers to incorporate the study of Jamestown, Virginia, into their classroom. The packet includes the following background essays: (1) "A Short History of Jamestown"; (2) "The Fort"; (3) "Life in an Indian Village"; (4) "Recommended Reading and…

A three-part handbook for Virginia K-12 social studies teachers presents methods for introducing students to documents and symbols which reflect the principles and ideals of the American democratic system. Although a portion of the material focuses on resources specific to the state of Virginia, information on national documents and symbols can be…

This unit, consisting of 12 multi-activity lessons, was designed to accompany a field trip to Walney, a park site near Centreville, Virginia, but may be adapted for independent use. The unit focuses on the task of an archaeologist. Archaeological sites, artifacts, and historical records are examined by students in order to develop an understanding…

The standards in this document resulted from a statewide effort to identify a scope and sequence of content, concepts, skills, and attitudes in social studies from kindergarten through grade twelve. The goals embodied in the standards include: (1) providing experiences that enable students to participate in society effectively and responsibly; (2)…

Compared Black and White students' news acquisition habits and knowledge of current events on the State, national, and international levels. Among 8th graders, Blacks ranked lower than Whites in knowledge, but no significant differences between groups were found among 11th graders. All students were deficient in their knowledge of State news. (GC)

Explores the slave trade system that brought slaves to the Chesapeake Bay area during the eighteenth century colonial United States. Uses information from the "Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: A Database on CD-ROM" to examine slave routes. Provides information on the origins and distribution of slaves in the Chesapeake Bay region and the…