An innovative graduate course in education devoted to the development of techniques utilizing direct experience in the history curriculum, the 6-weekend course took a level of local cultural history each weekend, showed how that culture related to and changed the land, and whenever possible, communicated that with experiential learning. (NQ)

This teacher guide contains 12 detailed local history investigations, complete with procedures, required materials, and evaluation exercises, based on performance objectives that support the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' social studies and mathematics instructional objectives for grades K-6. The exercises draw students into their…

Compares and contrasts a historical approach to woodland studies with a conventional ecological approach. Suggests potential sources of information and areas for investigation for the historical ecologist. Also reviews a case study example that employed this strategy. (ML)

Presents "C.U.B.E.: Creating Understanding of the Built Environment," a unit focusing on a community's built environment. Discusses the interdisciplinary goals of the unit. Provides four samples of activities from within the unit. (CFR)

This paper describes two institutions, in England and Massachusetts, that aim to connect students and adults to the land through the study of particular places. Gilbert White, an 18th-century curate in Selborne, England, was a keen observer and one of the earliest naturalists. His book, "The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne,"…

This theme issue of "Educational Foundations" presents five articles on topics ranging from moral concern in matters such as textbook controversies to the politics of society. Additionally, three of the articles focus on the teaching and learning of adults. Kenneth D. Benne's article, "Toward a Moral Basis for Politics and a Political Basis for…

Heritage education is an interdisciplinary, interactive approach to examining the historical and cultural evidence of heritage that remains in neighborhoods, community, and regions. This paper seeks to answer some basic questions about heritage education, including: What is it? What are heritage educators seeking to accomplish? Is there a right…

Describes a high school U.S. history class that combines experiential learning with local history. The class models their historical inquiry after a fictional character in, "The Secret of Gumbo Grove," who uncovers her hometown's secrets. A class trip to the local cemetery provides opportunities for historical research. (MJP)

Recommends a broad application of experiential learning and community service projects as a means of reinvigorating social studies and making them relevant. Describes a number of projects from service learning to local history that illustrate this approach. Discusses this approach in terms of benefits, real life application, and assessment. (MJP)

As part of Project Adventure, a specific unit within a 12-week Colonial History course taught at a Massachusetts high school was designed to: involve students with each other, their community, and local history; add a significant social and experiential dimension to the course; use a unique system of student evaluation and grading; and be…