Presents a social studies unit of study that involves having students conduct investigations of events and people in their own neighborhoods. (FL)

Provides suggestions for turning the search for local history materials into a coherent package for the classroom. Teachers should choose a project that teaches skills and helps shape student values. A thematic approach (for example, transportation) contributes to selectivity and is useful for producing a sourcebook. (KC)

Presents a report of a community studies program in which high school students prepared an architectural and historical study of interesting and historic community buildings. Presents general information on how and why students should study buildings, including selecting a building, photographing the building and site, interviewing individuals who…

Designed for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz, California, this book outlines an experiential approach to community study. Because the term community can encompass a scope as narrow as the school or as wide as the region, these guidelines are adaptable to several elementary grade levels. The book is arranged in six sections. The first…

Discusses the use of genealogy to stimulate Black adolescents to use their educational potential. Illustrates use of the pedigree chart, the oral interview, and genealogical records. (KC)

This article focuses on the teaching and learning of historical material among young children aged five to seven. It examines present practice, its underlying assumptions and what happens in the classroom, and makes some sggestions on content and methods for history instruction for this age group. (Author/SJL)

Describes a writing course for undermotivated students which focuses on careful precise observations through the study of other time periods in the history of the town where the school is located. (DD)

Oral history can be done without sophisticated technology, involves students actively in history, and generates enthusiasm and tangible products. Eleven projects are suggested, ranging from classroom to interdisciplinary community research. A bibliography cites 19 books about oral history programs for social studies classes. (AV)

This document consists of six lesson plans and primary source materials on the history of black people in the Illinois cities of Bloomington and Normal. The plans were developed for the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project which concentrates on recovering and recording the history of blacks in those two cities. These pilot editions are…

Strategies to strengthen elementary students' perceptions of the past are discussed. These include conducting a personal home furnishings inventory, creating a "then" and "now" class museum, planning an "old objects" with "new uses" survey, organizing a grandpa's garage and granny's attic day, and conducting a neighborhood architectural treasure…

A potpourri of activities from teachers working with elementary and middle school-aged children is featured in this journal issue. Regular features include an introductory letter, an article on elementary school activities, project updates, reviews, and announcements. The articles are as follows: (1) "Yesterday is local history to fourth…

This ERIC digest on a new curriculum project called "Teaching with Historic Places" discusses the program, its products, and how they can be used in classrooms and communities by students, teachers, and other interested groups. The program offers not only educational materials, but also professional training and development for teachers,…

Describes a secondary school unit to help students understand the working class skills, economics, and politics of their community. Students study the local logging industry, the effect of the logger and the union on the lives of community people, past struggles, and present conditions of loggers. (KC)

Introduces "Teaching with Historic Places," a lesson plan series designed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. Suggests that teaching with historic places helps students develop an empathetic connection to the past. Explains that students use historic places as primary sources to gather facts and…

A classroom activity designed to explore local culture and community development by collecting, mapping, and analyzing migration patterns and ethnicity is described. (DE)