The California History/Social Science Project is using an action research model to investigate the use of online discourse in professional development and K-12 History/Social Science classrooms. There are three goals--to investigate ways of enhancing students' historical thinking and understanding; to use technology to manifest methodologies and…

This document is a revision of the California History-Social Science Curriculum first published in 1988. The framework represents an effort to strengthen education in the history-social science curriculum while building on the best practices contained in the previous document. The book addresses the goals of knowledge and cultural understanding…

United States state history is a required component of the upper elementary social studies curriculum in all 50 states. Noting that few resources exist on the subject of state history, this book aims to show teachers how to plan a state unit using a culturally relevant, social constructivist pedagogy with connections to literacy, a focus on…

At the First Battle of Manassas (Virginia) in 1861 many Union doctors fled the battlefield in fear. Those who remained found themselves without adequate medical supplies or ambulances for their patients. As the U.S. Civil War progressed and casualties mounted, military surgeons became more adept at caring for the wounded. By the Battle of…

The study of U.S. history from 1877, taught in Mississippi secondary schools, builds on the study of U.S. history before 1877, offered in the eighth grade. Mississippi students, through studying U.S. history from 1877, gain an historical perspective of the nation's past. The study of the United States concentrates on cause-and-effect relationships…

Disturbed by inequities created by tracking, many schools have attempted to "detrack" by consciously organizing students into academically heterogeneous classrooms. This paper, based on a year-long interpretive study of a detracked ninth grade English-History "core" program at a diverse urban high school, focuses on the…

Today, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) has moved beyond its role as an international symbol of healing and stands as a living history lesson, but many of today's young people have a limited knowledge of the Vietnam War. This guide consists of an interactive curriculum enabling teachers to delve into the lessons of that chaotic period and…

Twenty years ago no professional training of university grade existed in this country to prepare teachers of mathematics for secondary schools. At that time the young teacher's sole preparation for his work was the taking of as many academic courses in mathematics as possible, plus, in some instances, a course on the history of education or some…

Analyzes the findings of a study conducted to: (1) identify the type of history courses offered by community colleges; (2) compare the relative strength of history enrollments in relation to total humanities and total college enrollments; and (3) identify, on the basis of enrollments, the most popular history courses. (JP)

Describes an interdisciplinary college course on the Plains Indians, team-taught by history and literature professors. Outlines issues related to team teaching, organization of course content and selection of print and video instructional materials, classroom practice, and lessons learned. A course outline and exam essay questions are appended.…

Reports ongoing development of the online digital exhibit, "Making Progress: Living and Working in Ohio's Miami Valley, 1890 1929," a collaboration between Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio) students and faculty and area museums and archives. Thus far the project has enhanced student learning and extended the university's involvement…

Presents an introduction and overview of the field of oral history. Briefly explores the broad range of subjects with which oral history techniques can be utilized. Covers recent trends and developments including the use of oral history interviews in plays, radio dramas, and documentaries. Lists seminal and current works. (MJP)

Reviews the origin, implementation, and principles of the Amherst Project, a teacher education workshop that was one of the leading examples of the "new social studies" in the 1960s. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the project and briefly notes similar programs still in existence. (MJP)

Argues that in an attempt to avoid presenting religion in a manner that might be considered controversial or offensive many textbook publishers have watered down their coverage to the point of misrepresentation. Examines several texts' treatment of significant religious subjects. (MJP)

Maintains that works of historical fiction and fantasy introduce children to concepts of time and history, as well as allowing them to empathize with other people. Historical fantasy often involves a young protagonist traveling through time and experiencing different eras and events. (MJP)