On September 17, 2013 (Constitution Day), the C3 Framework was released under the title "The College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History." The C3 Project Director and lead writer was NCSS member Kathy Swan, who is…

Historical documentary film usually offers content in a format that students find more engaging than traditional historical texts. In the classroom, documentary film can be positioned within a historical thinking framework to study a broad concept like civil rights while facilitating students' source work and skill development. While social…

For six months in 2008, as a Fulbright Scholar, this author served as a senior researcher at the Centre for Conflict Management at the National University of Rwanda where he conducted research into the lives of survivors of the 1994 genocide. The research comprised lengthy interviews (between seven and fifteen hours) with each survivor. The…

In this article, the author goes beyond Supreme Court decisions to investigate the upbringing and personalities of three Supreme Court justices who left their mark on history: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Sandra Day O'Connor. His interviews with their biographers, G. Edward White for Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Juan Williams…

For many of the students in the author's American history class, early twentieth-century American history seems far removed from their daily lives. Being first and second-generation American citizens, many of the students do not have the luxury of hearing grandparents and great-grandparents telling stories about FDR and Henry Ford. More…

Secondary students write a dialogue of an interview they have conducted with a person who could have lived during a certain historical period. Students are provided with guidelines and substantiate answers to their questions by citing sources. Objectives, procedures, and evaluation methods are provided for an interview during the American…

Although largely left out of the No Child Left Behind legislation, social studies remains a frequently tested subject on state-level standardized exams. As of 2004, 23 states conducted standards-based social studies tests, 10 of which could be considered high stakes. Where social studies will fit into the national testing picture is uncertain, but…

Suggests an interview approach which junior high and high school social studies teachers can use to increase the interest level of students in history classes. It is suggested that the teacher role play an historical figure. Objectives of the exercise are to make history come alive, teach the basic principles of the oral history interview, and…

High school students can study the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt using primary and secondary sources, including biographies, autobiographies, diaries, interviews, and memoirs. Afterwards, students should prepare their own evaluative essays on Roosevelt. This approach will help them to understand a highly complex president. (CS)

The ubiquity of documentary films in social studies courses, along with their potential to influence what students learn, clearly show that documentary films matter in social studies education. While the high rate of documentary film usage by social studies teachers indicates that they are amenable to bringing new films into their classrooms, they…

Advocates conducting oral history projects as part of elementary school social studies programs. Outlines key steps for incorporating oral history projects including determine a focus; identify local residents to interview; practice interviewing techniques; exchange information; and create booklets. Lists research resources. Stresses the…

Discusses the use of oral history to enliven, enhance, and supplement the standard social studies curriculum. Presents rationales for using oral histories, methods for classroom use, and suggestions for locating interviewees. Includes an annotated list of oral histories that address social issues. (GEA)

Contends that oral history is a unique way to learn about past events and experiences. Describes an oral history project that resulted in the publication of 26 stories of Rhode Island women during World War II. Discusses the stories and their impact on the students who conducted the oral history interviews. (CFR)