Under the headline "A Wonderful Invention," "The Cincinnati Daily Star" reported on the front page of its evening edition on Tuesday, November 6, 1877, news of Thomas Edison's phonograph--a device that could both record and play back sound. Although Edison himself would offer a list of 10 possible uses for the invention,…

Sheet music, song lyrics, and audio recordings may not be the first primary sources that come to mind when considering ways to teach about changes brought about by technology during westward expansion, but these sources engage students in thought provoking ways. In this article the author presents a 1917 photograph of Mountain Chief, of the Piegan…

Presents a history lesson plan on village life among two groups of Plains Indians in the early nineteenth century. Includes student handouts of contemporary writings by Euro-Americans, maps of the area, and early American paintings of the villages. Describes and structures teaching activities, vocabulary, and additional reading. (DK)

Identifies aspects of family life which can be compared cross culturally. Information for teachers on developing case study materials for the cross-cultural approach and a case study of a Hopi Indian family are presented. (Author/DB)

In this activity, elementary students analyze and discuss photographs of an American Indian tribe--the Minnesota Dakota family--and compare and contrast the Dakota family with their own family. They learn that families are alike in their basic structure. (RM)

Discusses the controversy over whether sport teams should use Native American logos, mascots, or native symbols. Suggests that by implementing role-reversal techniques (putting the nonnative people in the same place) uncaring sports fans may recognize the disrespect involved; offers a hypothetical newspaper article that illustrates the…

Presents a bibliography of 18 video products for use in the classroom. Includes programs on geography, Japanese culture, Native American culture and history, change in the former Soviet Union, and the Persian Gulf War. Gives a brief description of each program. Lists recently released software programs on geography, tests, history, and computer…

Compares understanding of social studies concepts among 6th grade Navajo and Anglo students in four Arizona communities. Findings indicated that Anglo students' scores exceeded those of Navajo students for all concepts and tasks. Offers recommendations for increasing Navajo students' comprehension of social studies. (DB)

American Indian children are not succeeding in school. A major reason is language. American Indians speak their own indigenous language as well as an indigenous English. Linguistic pressures by teachers are viewed by an Indian child as an attack on his/her identity. Teacher education concerning the relationship between language and identity is…

Refers to a study on how negative perceptions of American Indians held by elementary students change over time. Addresses curricular issues and suggests professional-development activities to help supplement teachers' knowledge of American Indian peoples. Provides a list of children's books and other resources that present the perspectives of…

Lists Web sites maintained by 38 different Native American nations that deal with topics ranging from tribal history, news, arts and crafts, tourism, entertainment, and commerce. Represented nations include Apache, Blackfeet, Creek, Iroquois, Mohegan, and Sioux. (CMK)

Maintains that during the 1970s educators attempted to integrate mathematics instruction into the social studies curriculum but generally were unsuccessful. Contends that spreadsheets provide new opportunities to make the natural connections between mathematics and the social studies, particularly history. (CFR)

Offers an innovative way to teach mid-nineteenth century North American Indian history by having students create their own Indian Ledger art. Purposes of the project are: to understand the role played by American Indians, to reveal American Indian stereotypes, and to identify relationships between cultures and environments. Background and…

Provides an overview of historic Native American tribal government structures and discusses ways of integrating this subject into the social studies curriculum. Specifically examines the tribal governments of the Iroquois, Muscogee, Lakota, and Pueblos. Includes illustrations, a list of references, and suggested teaching activities. (MJP)