In this teaching activity, students track and present information about specific regions in the world on a bi-weekly basis. Emphasis is placed on the five themes of geography to develop a working knowledge of assigned regions. Students use Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint to create presentations. The activity packet contains several documents…

Discusses reasons for involving middle-school students in genuine historical inquiry, including that it will foster perspectives, attributes, and critical-thinking skills required of informed citizens in a democratic society. Notes that requiring students to do so requires careful guidance and thoughtful preparation. Discusses nine considerations…

Suggests using city directories to integrate original geographic research into the classroom. Explains that using directories allows students to think geographically, teaches map skills, and provides the basis for field experience. Provides a case study of the ethnic patterns using the city directory of Sacramento, California. Illustrates other…

Describes a series of class activities involving student surveys and interviews with parents and other adults. Discusses possible interview topics ranging from important inventions to simulated interviews with historical figures. Reports that student interest improved and parents became more involved with school activities. (CFR)

Presents class activities to facilitate concept acquisition in elementary social studies classes. Suggests ways to teach the concepts of family, city, the presidency, and immigration. Methods outlined include field trips, oral history projects, family shield design, letters to past U.S. Presidents, fact quizzes, art activities, and guest speakers.…

Presents guidelines for students attempting to find historical information about their school. Identifies and outlines a variety of sources and approaches. Students who apply these investigative techniques can develop a more thorough acquaintance with their school. In addition, they can employ these techniques in other areas of historical…

The John Rolfe Museum and Historical Research Center in Richmond, Virginia, was established in 1982 to stimulate community knowledge and interest in regional heritage, provide a "real world" outlet for students pursuing historical research, and broaden students' perspectives about sources of knowledge and how to use them effectively. In…

The incorporation of media and technology into the classroom does not ensure the enhancement of student learning. Research has shown that students learn more through active participation in their own learning process. From 1984 to 1987, a teacher's secondary social studies students were actively involved in the National History Day Program (NHDP),…

Provides background information for two Supreme Court decisions that can be used to teach the concepts of due process and student rights. Lists vocabulary and suggests document analysis and student research activities. Includes a copy of the Goss v. Lopez decision and explains how school systems are required to provide students a minimum of due…

When "Roots" first aired as an Odyssey Network television miniseries in 1977, it made history. "Roots" prompted people of many backgrounds to take a closer look at their personal heritage, ancestry, and ethnic identity. Together, Alex Haley's novel and the television program made several distinct contributions. They raised…

Describes a secondary class activity in which students conduct historical research on the U.S. civil rights movement presenting their findings in comic book format. Discusses four components of comic book development: plot development, layout, drawing, and narration. Includes two pages from a student-developed comic book and suggestions for…

Harriet Tubman, a famous Civil War freedom fighter from Maryland, is the focus of this unit that integrates the arts and history. Students will learn about Harriet Tubman through music, art, dance, literature, and reference materials. The five lessons will be models and a springboard for the research projects that the students will complete about…

Describes teaching methods used to prepare students for conducting oral history interviews. Fishbowl interviews consist of a behavior-modeling exercise where the teacher interviews a guest in front of the class. Examines other instructional techniques such as role playing and paired interviewing. (MJP)

Uses microfilm copies of the 1880 and 1900 census records which tallied information about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family to teach about using census data. Suggests activities that develop vocabulary skills, teach document analysis, utilize map skills, and require research and synthesis skills. (LS)

Describes the format for an interdisciplinary program of English/social studies (ESP) for eleventh grade honor students developed by the Coconut Creek High School (Florida). Promotes a thematic context for innovation and relies on cooperative learning. Provides the teacher-developed goals for the ESP program including learning outcome, present…