The case method poses a problem that has no easy solution. The case is based on factual information and has an introduction, an exposition, a development of the central issues, and a summary. Students must decide the outcome for themselves. Tips to help teachers write and use cases are provided. (RM)

Previous studies of the qualifications of elementary and secondary school teachers have focused on whether teachers have educational backgrounds (a postsecondary major/minor or equivalent) and state certification that match the subjects they teach. If not, they are commonly considered "out-of-field." This Issue Brief reports the…

This lesson describes and discusses the U.S. Civil War Siege of Port Hudson (Louisiana). Based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file, "Port Hudson Battlefield," the lesson cites objectives and lists materials for students, and provides information for a site visit. It contains eight sections: (1) "About this…

Chronological thinking is one of the historical and social sciences analysis skills of the California History-Social Science Standards. The study of history is the study of change. This unit addresses different types of change from "now" to "then." From the community, including types of transportation, to the school, children…

California State Standard 5.7 is delineated in the following manner: "Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze the Constitution's significance as the foundation of the American republic." Students answer six questions about the Constitution and present suggestions for…

U.S. educators recognize that the study of history is a vital part of a child's overall education and that parents are in the best position to encourage their children's natural interest in history. This booklet is designed as a tool for parents to use in stimulating their children's interest in and knowledge about history. The booklet includes:…

This lesson is based on the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site (Massachusetts), the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy. The lesson can be used as a biographical study, an introduction to the Kennedy presidency and the turbulent sixties, or as part of a unit on post-World War II U.S. history. Primary and secondary sources are included for…

The Washington Monument (District of Columbia) is one of the most recognizable structures in the United States. Its prominence comes because it commemorates George Washington, who remains one of this country's most admired leaders. The history of the monument reflects Washington's contributions to the development of the United States and shows how…

The purpose of this book is to discuss and demonstrate how primary sources found on the Internet can be used to teach critical thinking skills for U.S. history and world history students in grades 7-12. The volume also provides guidelines and sample suggestions and questions for using primary sources in a variety of formats to stimulate critical…

The life and experiences of Herbert Hoover are examined in this lesson from the period when he was growing up in Iowa to when he was the administrator of aid to starving and suffering children in Europe during World War I. The lesson about Hoover as a Quaker schoolboy and as administrator of the Belgian Relief Commission is based on the National…

This handbook, intended for K-12 teachers in Colorado, is a tool to help educators weave academic content standards, assessments, and career development methods into an integrated and comprehensive educational strategy that prepares all students to meet their future goals. The examples contained in the handbook were created to provide a vision of…

Inquiring into families, communities, states, nations, and various peoples of the world through history engages students in the aspirations, struggles, accomplishments, and failures of real people in various aspects of their lives. The ultimate goal of social studies in Idaho is to develop the civic competence and civic participation of Idaho's…

This book presents a variety of social studies activities for elementary students. The activities are divided into broad social science disciplines but can be adapted to an interdisciplinary format. The activities are wide-ranging in ability level and complexity but can be modified to fit any teaching need. Each activity follows the same format…

Reports a research study in Scottish secondary schools to create diagnostic tests for assessing historical skills--in particular in enquiry, interpretation, and reconstruction of historical materials. Examples of the diagnostic instruments used and the structure of a teaching module are given and favorable reactions from pupils and teachers are…