This famous Spanish explorer's journey through California is described along with a similar journey in 1976 designed to celebrate the Bicentennial. (DE)

Herbert Hoover articulated and personified a vision of America with which every high school student should be familiar. Presented is a unit of study for high school students that presents the real Herbert Hoover by surveying his lifetime, not just his presidency. (RM)

Maintains that literary fiction may be used to enhance students' understanding of an historical period. Demonstrates how Steinbeck's GRAPES OF WRATH may be used to convey the human side of problems, sufferings, and triumphs that the United States experienced during the Great Depression. (JDH)

A study of several versions of the Educational Testing Service's Achievement Test in American History and Social Studies casts doubt upon the claim that the test accurately assesses historical knowledge. Suggestions for improving the Achievement Test are made. (RM)

A local focus for Bicentennial activities is emphasized. (DE)

Several student activities designed to celebrate the Bicentennial are suggested. (DE)

A brief history of gold coins minted in California during the gold rush period is provided. (DE)

Describes seven resources on curriculum development in social studies found in the ERIC system. Among the cited items are journal articles on various aspects of the social studies scope and sequence and an ERIC document on the role of secondary social studies in developing technological literacy. (JDH)

Provides a review of Mortimer J. Adler's 1987 book, WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS. States that Adler's book offers a useful "behind the pages" look at constitutional ideas and provides material for exciting lesson plans and fascinating class discussions. (JDH)

Eleventh grade U.S. history, as described in the 1981 California History/Social Science Framework, should not be taught using a chronological approach. Instead, the course should be based on selected "regional" focal points and students given the opportunity to study different historical accounts and interpretations of the same events.…

Presents a lesson for secondary students which teaches that the U.S. Constitution has changed in a variety of ways and that it has a direct effect upon the lives of citizens. Provides a worksheet and a lecture outline covering three methods of constitutional change and Supreme Court cases such as Dred Scott and Brown vs. Board of Education. (GEA)

Describes a content analysis of 33 college-level American history textbooks studying the presentation of women. Findings showed 96% of the content and 70% of the illustrations devoted to men's contributions. Recommends women historians and textbook writers coordinate in textbook writing. (CK)

Examples of how oral history can be used in the secondary classroom are provided.

Slide presentations on California history which use five slide projectors simultaneously are described. (DE)

Presents a lesson which will help high school students identify the specific parts of the U.S. Constitution, recognize the way the Founding Fathers dealt with the problems of government, and evaluate how the document works 200 years later. Includes an in-depth worksheet for analyzing the document and two sets of constitutional problems to be used…