Presents an analysis of the portrayal of Christopher Columbus in writings about U.S. history. Suggests that most scholars would agree with Justin Winsor's 1892 portrayal of Columbus. Criticizes the controversy surrounding the explorer's first North American voyage. Concludes that current scholarship may give future generations a more accurate view…

The life and work of Eleanor Roosevelt are discussed. Photographs are included. (RM)

The feats of individuals who have made history in the aerospace world are often misunderstood and soon ignored or forgotten after the first notoriety has been achieved. Amelia Earhart was selected as the subject for this learning packet because of her brilliant accomplishments on the world of flight, a persistent desire to determine what really…

This booklet contains biographical information about Bessie Coleman, Nellie Bly, Gertrude Ederle, Sojourner Truth, Chien-Shiung Wu, Yoshiko Uchida, Madam C. J. Walker, Maria Martinez, Jovita Idar, Margaret Bourke-White, Sally Ride, and Sybil Ludington. These women are noted for their important contributions to United States history. It is hoped…

Two scenes are presented from a longer one-act (nine scene) play about the history of deaf Americans. The scenes relate the misbeliefs and suspicions among early Americans about the deaf and the founding of the first American school for the deaf by Thomas Gallaudet. (CB)

This biographical essay focuses on Elizabeth Cady Stanton's strict religious upbringing and her conversion to a more rationalist ethic. Discusses Stanton's involvement in the abolitionist movement and draws parallels between the ideals of Jacksonian democracy and the early suffragette movement. (MJP)

This K-8 activity helps students visually highlight the lives of notable women using 3-D biography boxes. Students read a biography, create the boxes, fill in all six sides with pictures and information, place one item in the box that their subjects would treasure, and make class presentations. A sample box is provided. (SM)

This booklet, intended for use by educators and by workplace and community organizers, introduces women who have been featured on U.S. postage stamps as well as a few of the women who clearly merit such honor in the future. Postage stamps featuring women have been relatively few and far between and have only skimmed the surface of U.S. women in…

The Eisenhower Foundation developed and produced posters and curriculum materials for "Dreams of a Barefoot Boy: 1890-1911," the first in a series that examines, in depth, the life and times of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. President. This collection of primary source documents consists of documents with social themes relating to:…

Secondary students complete an application for employment using a person they have studied in their U.S. history, government, or psychology courses. All information has to be historically correct. The teacher reads the application to the class and students guess the name of the applicant. A sample application form is included. (AM)

This unit introduces students to activities and professions that require a mastery of language, written or spoken, and provides brief biographies of women who have made significant contributions in each of 12 different language arts areas. Areas addressed include: (1) Political Orators; (2) Journalists; (3) Letter Writers/Diarists; (4) Excerpts…

Most of the material for this issue of the "Goldfinch," which explores the life of Carrie Chapman Catt, came from the archives of the State Historical Society of Iowa. Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947) was an Iowan who advocated woman suffrage and spent 26 years actively working for that cause. The issue contains a biography of Catt, and…

The use of literature in a U.S. history class can revitalize the curriculum. The applicability of biographies, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction to history classes is discussed. A brief annotated list of appropriate sources, chronologically arranged for reluctant, average, and advanced readers, is included. (AM)

Describes the significance of the election of 1800 in the development of political parties in the United States. Contends that Alexander Hamilton's view of the United States Constitution was dangerous for the new nation and led to a permanent split in the Federalist Party. Includes a resource bibliography for teachers wishing to incorporate this…

Suggesting that reading plays aloud is an effective way to promote literacy and history in the grade 4-8 classroom, this book presents 22 short, readers' theater plays about extraordinary American men and women. The plays in the book are designed to enrich classroom learning by building oral literacy, fostering a knowledge of American heritage,…