In recounting the sensational national controversy regarding the recent proposed National History Standards, the book explores three related themes that provided background for the controversy. The volume examines the blossoming of historical research, writing, and teaching of history in the 20th century with more diverse, more methodologically…

The 6th century of the Byzantine Empire, dominated by the emperor Justinian (527-565 C.E.), is the focus of this unit of lessons designed for grades 7-12. Justinian's contributions to world history in various fields are examined. Noting that not all scholars are in agreement as to when Byzantine history began, the unit places its origins either at…

The voyage of Columbus in 1492 is a turning point in world history. After 1492, people and civilizations of long-separated regions began to develop connections that have led to the incipient global community of the 1990s. It is their global significance that justifies a prominent place in today's curriculum for the four voyages of Columbus to the…

This document discusses oral history and the use of active learning to make classroom teaching interesting and exciting. Oral history is an effective teaching tool that requires students to become active participants in their own learning process. It invites inquiry, stimulates discussion, and transforms abstract concepts into concrete reality.…

This document is an assessment of a performance-based education project that involved a United States history course, offered at a community college. Thirty-two student performance objectives are outlined and lesson plans designed to achieve each objective are presented. Each lesson plan consists of an instructional topic, prerequisites, interest…

The use of historical fiction in schools in the United Kingdom can help develop language skills and encourage a curiosity about the past. Major historical events contain drama and tension, and an imaginative story about an historical event captures children's emotions and intrigue. Historical fiction is a literary genre where opportunities exist…

This resource guide is based on interviews with survivors of the Holocaust and those who took part in liberating them from the concentration camps in World War II. The guide is divided into three main parts: (1) overviews, (2) lesson plans, and (3) student handouts. A Holocaust time line, a glossary of key terms, and an annotated bibliography are…

This unit focuses on Thomas Jefferson's route from his home at Monticello in Virginia to the White House when he traveled to Washington in November of 1800 for the upcoming presidential election. The document traces his journey by phaeton, a four wheeled light carriage, from Monticello to: (1) James Madison's home at Montpelier, a distance of 28…

Written by a Los Angeles history teacher frustrated by the lack of culturally relevant materials, this book covers some of the most interesting events in the history of Mexico and the heritage of Mexican Americans. Chapters are: (1) Indian Mexico (Teotihuacan, the Maya, the Toltecs, and the Aztecs); (2) La Conquista (Cortes and Moctezuma, conquest…

In order to investigate elementary school students' understanding of historical time, this study conducted open-ended interviews with 58 children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The students were asked to place nine illustrations from various periods of American history in chronological order and to talk about the reasoning behind the order…

This document reports survey results providing data and ideas for evaluating possible Organization of American Historians (OAH) international initiatives. The survey was constructed to address a wide range of issues and to solicit information on those resources that Americanists worldwide either wish to receive or have to offer. It sought…

This document is a response to teachers' requests for practical assistance in implementing California's history-social science framework. The document offers stimulating ideas to enrich the teaching of history and social science, enliven instruction for every student, focus on essential topics, and help make learning more memorable. Experiences…

An activity designed to introduce secondary students to the history, culture, and geography of India is presented. Students are asked to complete a four-page project, consisting of questions on travel to India. Students look at general and specific information about the country. (DB)

Materials that portray the contributions of women to Maryland history are featured in this resource kit. Display photographs and short informational profiles about Maryland women are accompanied by classroom activities for grades K-12. Additional suggestions for activities for colleges, universities, and community groups also are included. To aid…

A case study of the methods of teaching U.S. history that have been developed by an exemplary fifth-grade teacher is presented. It includes description, rationale, and examples of the instructor's overall approach, along with detailed recording of everything done during a month-long unit on the English colonies. The teacher's approach is notable…