Examined effects of using textbook alternatives on six fifth graders' experiences learning about American history. Found that students preferred alternative texts. Using multiple sources raised no questions for students about validity and reliability of evidence. Students used an information-quantity criterion to judge validity of evidence. Three…

Provides ways teachers can make U.S. history more meaningful for students. Suggests using family photographs; making family trees; planning activities that focus on commemorative celebrations; creating a time line; reading biographies; and collecting stamps. (GG)

Contends that quality children's literature becomes an increasingly important part of teaching. Presents a list of 24 recommended books, divided into primary, intermediate, advanced, and teacher reference categories. (CFR)

Presents an oral history project for high school students who are asked to select a non-related person to interview about a period or event in U.S. history, write a biography, and give a final public presentation on the interview. Includes a copy of the rubric in the appendix. (CMK)

This classic book describes the life experiences and "great vision" of Black Elk, a holy man of the Oglala Sioux. Black Elk imparted these things to John Neihardt so that he might save them for future generations. Black Elk's power-vision occurred when he was 9 years old during a sickness. The lengthy vision contained profound symbolism…

This biography for younger readers describes the life of Rosa Parks, the Alabama black woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus helped establish the civil rights movement. The book is introduced by an overview of the movement by Andrew Young and a timeline indicating major historical events from 1954 through 1968. Highlights in…

This biography for younger readers follows the life and career of Jesse Jackson, the African American civil rights worker who has twice sought a presidential nomination and continues to work for equal rights for all Americans. The book presents an overview of the civil rights movement in the United States and describes Jackson's role as clergyman,…

Tomo-chi-chi was a Creek Indian leader who did much to insure peaceful relations between the first English colonists in Georgia and the native Americans. His wisdom and dedication to peace were known and respected by the Creek people and the English colonists. He developed a lifelong friendship with General James Oglethorpe, the English founder of…

Emphasizing the dedication with which John Ross (1790-1866) labored to achieve Cherokee social and political cohesion, this biography details the historical and political events which influenced Ross's attempts to make the U.S. honor its treaty obligations and thwart the Federal "Removal Policy" (removal of American Indians from their…

The document is the biography of Susette La Flesche, whose name in Omaha was Inshta Theamba (Bright Eyes). She was the daughter of a French-Indian who, in the mid-1800s, became the last head chief of the Omahas. Her heritage--the legends, songs, sacred ceremonies and ancient wisdom of her people--came into conflict with the white man's world when…

The women's biographies cited can provide models for personal and career development and can acquaint secondary students with the roles and accomplishments of women representing various cultural and racial-ethnic groups throughout history. Criteria for selecting cited items, which address issues of sexism and discrimination, are listed. (RM)

Stories of more than 400 "firsts" by African Americans, break-through achievements in a variety of fields, are told in question-and-answer form ("Who was the first African American to ...?"). These are stories of people who were forced to contend with racism, directly or indirectly, in their struggle towards goals that require…

This paper recounts the story of Elsie Ripley Clapp (1879-1964), an associate of John Dewey and well known in progressive education circles, who became extensively involved in rural education in Kentucky and West Virginia. The first part of the paper gives an overview of Clapp's early life in the New York City area, her educational background, her…

Describes oral history interviewing techniques that the author used to research his biography of Joseph McCarthy before the American Historical Association (AHA) issued its seven guidelines on interview use. These guidelines focus on taping sessions, signed releases, written transcripts, respecting human dignity, and placing materials in archive…

Presents resources for teaching about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outlines criteria for selecting biographies for children and young adults. Identifies problems in certain biographies of King, and recommends high quality biographies of King. Discusses exercises for integrating themes from King's life into the classroom. (RW)