Between 1854 and 1930, over 200,000 children left New York City, as well as other major east coast cities, bound for families in rural areas. They traveled to towns in New England, the Midwest, the South, and even as far west as Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington. These orphans were the children of immigrant families who were pouring into…

The Zoot Suit Riots provide students with a case study of social unrest in American history. The influx of Latinos into the Los Angeles area prior to World War II created high levels of social unrest between Mexican Americans, military servicemen, and local residences. With large numbers of soldiers stationed in the area during the Second World…

After the end of World War I, Congress enacted a bill that would reward military veterans for their service. The bill provided the veterans cash bonuses that would be paid starting in 1945. But as the nation settled into the Great Depression these veterans began to clamor for payment of their bonuses. In May of 1932, and estimated 15,000 veterans…

Provides information on Manifest Destiny and the expansionist ideals of the United States, especially during the 19th century. Offers a lesson plan that will help students understand the concept of Manifest Destiny, including an assessment activity, how to expand the lesson, an appendix, and references. (CMK)

Reviews changing attitudes toward the objectives of social studies throughout our country's educational history. Emphases have included history teaching, geography and civics, strengthening democratic institutions, education for life adjustment, knowledge of specific disciplines, relevance of life experiences to academic knowledge, and the "back…

Students involved in acting out a role may find it hard to remember what their classmates said; student observers may focus on one roleplayer and not the others. This causes problems in the discussion stage of the roleplay. Solution: videotape the roleplaying situation. An example is provided. (RM)

Asserts that the study of geography promotes spatial skills and increases awareness of the significance of location and place. Maintains that novels are good resources for geographic instruction. Provides geographic content reviews and suggested instructional methods for using two novels, "Old Yeller" and "Prairie Songs." (CFR)

Asserts that debriefing is the missing link between learning achievement and simulations in social studies. Maintains that teachers who employ computer-assisted instruction must utilize effective debriefing activities. Provides a four-step debriefing model using the computer simulation, Oregon Trail. (CFR)