Recommends using primary source documents in middle school history instruction and examines several strategies for making them more accessible. Describes a course on 17th-century social reformers that utilized paraphrasing of the historical language used in primary documents followed by focus questions and class discussion. (MJP)

Describes instructional strategies using primary sources in middle school history instruction. Maintains that students need to make critical, personal connections to material before they understand it. The strategies examined use visual aids, living history presentations, realia, music, and primary documents. (MJP)

Argues that fiction, poetry, and music can make history come alive for high school students. Outlines a number of activities that use an interdisciplinary and thematic approach. "Riders to the Sea," captures the pathos of Ireland while the Doors'"Riders on the Storm" reflects the ambience of the play. (MJP)

Describes a curriculum development project completed by undergraduate education majors. The project consists of a picture or graphic organizer serving as a focal point surrounded by citations to non-fiction and fiction sources related to that point. An accompanying essay allowed the students to justify their selections. (MJP)

Recommends beginning classes in history with a short unit on historiography (why and how we study history). This not only provides a context for the succeeding material but also allows for a discussion of inquiry and research methodologies. Defends history-social science as a foundational skill. (MJP)

Describes a series of activities designed to teach the content of social studies as well as promote literacy. Most of the activities involve establishing definitions and connections between vocabulary words and key concepts, places, and dates. Includes an exercise using key words and questions to study imperialism and India. (MJP)

Recounts the experiences of a group of K-12 social science educators attending the University of California, San Diego's Summer Institute. The Institute gathers K-12 educators and university professors for lectures, lessons, and interactive projects. The sessions focused on recovering unheard voices and perspectives from history. (MJP)

Provides a brief overview of the life and work of Paul R. Williams, an orphaned African American who grew to become a renowned architect in Los Angeles. His life became the basis of a model lesson plan for third graders developed by a teacher attending a teachers' workshop. (MJP)

Presents an interesting look at Thanksgiving, clearing up a number of misconceptions and providing a collection of interesting facts about the holiday. Includes series of humorous quotes from students concerning the nature and origin of Thanksgiving, as well as the address for an article providing more information. (MJP)

Asserts that students see grades as an indicator of effort unconnected to the content of the course while teachers regard grades as a measure of achievement within a discipline. Discusses some of the current controversies and approaches concerning grades and how they relate to school reform. (MJP)

Summarizes the responses to a survey of 106 community colleges in California concerning their geography programs. Briefly discusses information regarding facilities and faculty. Examines comparative enrollments in cultural, physical, world regional, and California geography courses. (MJP)

Articulates a personal commitment to teaching that emphasizes modeling behavior, preparation, and creating a safe and supportive environment for learning. Discusses some strategies for establishing a proactive classroom management style. Argues that the most energizing and essential role for teachers is that of motivator. (MJP)

Presents a brief but fascinating discussion of a high school junior's use of primary sources for her presentation at History Day in California. She contacted black athletes who gave the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics and conducted several hours of interviews. These interviews were incorporated into a paper. (MJP)

Provides step-by-step instructions for creating and reproducing slides from video material. This process allows for greater creativity, is less expensive than other methods, and can easily be taught to students and incorporated into their presentations. (MJP)

Reports on an excellent Internet resource, the SCORE History-Social Science Web Page. This site provides links to hundreds of other sites containing relevant resources for most social science curricula. Discusses the origin, planning, and implementation of the project. (MJP)