Student performance in U.S. history is poor because most history teachers have not studied history and textbooks present history as an incontrovertible story. The bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary history education that emphasizes inquiry and critical thinking. Primary documents, local…

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. Four examples of projects along the Montana section of the expedition's trail show how outdoor, experiential learning is enhanced by the use of global positioning systems, digital cameras,…

An Oregon high school offered an interdisciplinary history/science course on the Lewis and Clark Expedition that focuses on experiential learning and student projects. Camping and field trips helped make the material relevant as the course moved from a study of the primordial Pacific Northwest, through the Native American period, to what has…

Focuses on the artwork of Larry Rivers as a means to integrate art and history. Discusses a project completed by preservice teachers in which they created a Rivers-style mural for the Ronald Reagan Elementary School (Bakersville, California), depicting the life and contributions of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. (CMK)

Presents lessons for fourth-grade students in which they create outlines, a measured space that matches with the dimensions of a thing or place from the past. Uses kinesthetics for topics, such as: setting sail for Jamestown (Virginian) in 1606, building a log cabin in 1816, and homesteading in 1830. (CMK)

Discusses the differences between subject matter and content within the realm of social studies. Asserts the importance of making connections within the social studies and allowing students more choices in subject matter. Explores how teacher education should change to help future teachers learn more about subject matter in the social studies.…

Provides a sample unit, "Women's Rights in Canada," that uses biographies and autobiographies to enliven the lessons. Suggests ways to introduce the topic at the elementary level. Provides bibliographies of films, human rights materials, Canadian resources, biographies, and autobiographies. (GG)

Considers three approaches to using entertainment films in history and social studies classes. Provides a list of Hollywood films currently available on videotape and a list of books, articles, and journals dealing with the role of film in society. (GG)

Points out that melodrama can be used as a method for historical research, giving students practice in applying historical methods. Describes an innovative teaching technique in which students learn about slavery by staging a melodrama in the classroom. Gives detailed instructions on designing a melodrama. (GG)

Describes oral history interviewing techniques that the author used to research his biography of Joseph McCarthy before the American Historical Association (AHA) issued its seven guidelines on interview use. These guidelines focus on taping sessions, signed releases, written transcripts, respecting human dignity, and placing materials in archive…

Tenth graders (N=126) learned the chronological order of and biographical information about several United States presidents by using either a mnemonic or an individually preferred method of study. Mnemonic methods appeared to be very effective, and no negative transfer effects were detected. (TJH)

Cites the problems associated with teaching history: (1) lack of consensus on what and how to teach; (2) the adult perspective from which it is taught; (3) the abstract nature of history content; and (4) the concept of time. Concludes that efforts to include adolescent knowledge, skills, and attitudes should be considered in the history program.…

Barnes, an educator and textbook author, was a pioneer in the use of inquiry to teach secondary school history. Her work is criticized for the indoctrination it entailed and for its failure to encourage students to identify and examine the spiritual and political premises underlying the historical framework Barnes presented. (IAH)

Criticizes the trend in social studies education, led by Diane Ravitch, towards the revival of teaching history in a traditional manner. Claims that Ravitch's rationale for history's decline is faulty, ignoring the problems resulting from teaching history chronologically. Suggests that using the problem-centered approach will make history more…

Discusses a field trip to Lucan, Ontario to research the story of the Donnelly family murders of 1880. Describes sites visited, student activities, and contacts made with local individuals familiar with the story. Includes class follow-up activities. Provides an activity on cemeteries and examines educational benefits. (RW)