In this article, the authors discuss how to explore the agency of ordinary citizens using local institutions to combat Jim Crow segregation laws during Freedom Summer. Primary sources from Miami (OH) University website about Freedom Summer and Susan Goldman Rubin's trade book ground the inquiry. Through the series of activities discussed, middle…

Discusses the use of primary sources in teaching about the Vietnam War. The approach encourages student questioning and discussion of issues surrounding the war. Urges educators to be certain that students know and understand the reasons for the war and not just repeat the rhetoric. (Author/GEA)

Presents the source method that Mary Sheldon Barnes publicized in her book, "Studies in General History" in 1885. Defines the source method as the thorough examination of original source materials through the application of systematic inquiry tools. Points out that Barnes combined the study of history with the study of contemporary life.…

Discusses a collaboration among an educator, a historical archaeologist, and a historian in order to create a local history curriculum that focuses on the life of African Americans on a Texas farm. Discusses how the curriculum was actually developed focusing on the role of the three team members. (CMK)

Describes the six model lessons created to coincide with the online collections of the Library of Congress that focuses on utilizing technology and primary sources; two of the lessons are for teacher use, while the other four are self-contained lessons. Discusses the basic design principles and constraints for the lessons. (CMK)

The case study approach for developing local histories to teach the Bicentennial is examined. The approach of one teacher-developed kit is outlined. (JR)

A desire to make historical source documents central to the exposition of basic themes in a two-semester class on European and U.S. history since 1500 led to the development of a pilot course at Assumption College, Worcester, Massachusetts. One of the three weekly class meetings was devoted to a discussion of the source materials. In order to…

Discusses the role of white and Indian women in the history of the U.S. western frontier and lists 35 print and video resources for middle schools and secondary schools. Topics addressed include the omission of women's experiences in history; documents on the female experience; using video effectively; and developing the curriculum. (10…

Asserts that most textbooks and curriculum guides continue to ignore what most social studies acknowledge: U.S. history cannot be taught properly without frequent discussion of religious topics and issues. Discusses topics and recommends resources for including the teaching about religion in U.S. history. (CFR)

Contends that peace history should be taught as a separate course or part of a larger survey course because of the wealth of scholarly materials. Discusses four historical movements that form the main currents of U.S. peace historiography and states that historian Merle Curti was the most influential peace historian. (CFR)

Traces the historical development of technical literacy through the establishment of technical institutes in the United States. Relates the development of technical learning to the emerging industrial economy. Explains that instruction required literacy and fundamental mathematical skills. Notes scientific literacy was popularized by magazines…

Describes the historical background to the Nuremberg War Trials. Asserts that there is a wealth of evidence in the National Archives documenting atrocities committed by the Nazis. Presents primary source documents used in the Trials and provides seven suggested teaching strategies. (CFR)