When elementary students examine primary sources and local historical sites to gain firsthand information about life in the past, history becomes more relevant, exciting, and enjoyable. To help students understand that history is not just what is in a textbook, this student resource book focuses on making them aware that history exists all around them. Activities in which students assume the role of a historian and actually "do" history include the following: (1) discovering an unknown old object, telling the class what it is, and describing its historical background; (2) looking for and finding information about old buildings, unusual parks or schools, old businesses, and street names; (3) visiting cemeteries and doing tombstone rubbings; and (4) reading old newspapers, diaries, and letters. A suggested class project is to write a history book about the students' town or neighborhood. The booklet uses language familiar to elementary students. Many photographs and graphics are included. (NE)