Lewis, Clark, and the Corps of Discovery traveled westward from 1803 to 1806; therefore, the bicentennial of the expedition is being celebrated from 2003 until 2006. Students and teachers celebrating the bicentennial and Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase in 1803 can use social studies classes to help them connect with their community and to reach a…

Discusses the use of primary sources in a fourth grade unit on Calvin Fletcher and the topic of transportation. Addresses the difficulties of using primary source material with elementary school students. Identifies ways for students to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge. (CMK)

Focuses on the use of melodrama as an instructional tool in social studies classrooms. Discusses how to set up a melodrama and stage a melodrama. Provides ideas for possible melodramas that address issues of democracy, such as constitutional challenges and civil disobedience. (CMK)

In this article, the author describes a social studies class activity that uses primary sources to develop a soap opera based on the American Civil War. In the soap opera activity, students can watch historical characters as they grow, develop, and change. Not only do people in the soap opera develop over a long period, but their accumulated…