Fort Morgan and the Battle of Mobile Bay
presents firsthand accounts, maps, and more pertaining to this Civil War conflict (August 5, 1864) in which Union Admiral David Farragut led about 20 ships and vessels into the torpedo-filled Mobile Bay.
The Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Collisions of Cultures
looks at the decisive battle of the Creek War (1813-1814), where Andrew Jackson fought 1,000 American Indian warriors who were trying to regain autonomy. It examines the history of the battle and provides maps, images, and readings.
Women's History Month
showcases historic properties that illustrate contributions of women to our nation's history. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Eleanor Ford, Amelia Earhart, Mary McLeod Bethune, and are among those featured.
The United States Air Force Academy: Founding a Proud Tradition
recounts the history of aviation and the military: aviation's entry into the military during World War I, Germany's use of air power early in World War II, Pearl Harbor, the Berlin Airlift, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and President Eisenhower's declaration that our first line of defense would be an air atomic strike force. The site examines the design of the Air Force Academy, authorized in 1954 after 30 years of struggle.
The Golden Crescent, Crossroads of Florida and Georgia
examines the cultural history of the Atlantic Coast from Savannah to Cape Canaveral and inland toward Tallahassee. Maps, texts, and pictures illustrate the area's transformations through its pre-history, colonization, induction into the U.S., reconstruction, struggle for civil rights, and the recent resort boom.
Guilford Courthouse: A Pivotal Battle in the War for Independence
looks at this battle?how it was fought; how its outcome was characterized, including reports from both General Nathanael Greene and Lord Cornwallis; and why it was important. About 1,700 Continentals (three-year enlistees in the regular army) and 2,700 militia (mostly farmers who were nonprofessional temporary soldiers called up for short periods of service during an emergency) fought against the redcoats near this North Carolina town of fewer than 100 people.
The Chihuahuan Desert Lab On-Line Manual
is a comprehensive program designed to enhance high school science, math and technology studies by involving students in monitoring natural resources in Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. It offers a resource-based curriculum, science projects, an online manual for teachers, and an evaluation.
Wildlife Management Activity Guide for Teachers
Whether your school has a 40 acre school forest or a 40 square foot school yard lawn, we urge you to get your students involved in some hands-on wildlife management. It is a relevant real world issue that will also expose them to disciplines other than science as they learn all the complexities of land management. A few teachers are teaching about a variety of game species and habitats. Others are developing small native plant gardens which provide basic needs for native butterflies and birds. P
You Decide: Should the US federal government legalize marijuana?
This educational guide focuses on the debate as to whether or not marijuana should be legalized by the federal government. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities and learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they stand on this controversial issue.
You Decide: Should the US adopt a single-payer, Universal Health Care Plan?
This educational guide focuses on health care issues in the US and whether or not it would be beneficial to adopt a single-payer, universal health care plan. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they stand on this controversial issue.
You Decide: Should the American space program send a manned mission to Mars?
This educational guide focuses on whether or not the American Space Program should send a manned Mission to Mars. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they stand on this controversial issue.
You Decide: Is the Bush administration doing enough to protect the environment?
This educational guide focuses on environmental issues and the role of the Bush administration in safeguarding the energy requirements of the nation while at the same time protecting the environment from pollution and toxic emissions. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this g
You Decide: Is preemptive war a legitimate means of American national defense?
This educational guide focuses on the legitimacy of preemptive war as a means of American national defense, looking at the rationale for intervention, and the related moral and strategic issues. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they
Art Meets Nature: Natalie Jeremijenko
SPARK follows conceptual artist/engineer Natalie Jeremjienko as she works on her One Tree(s) project, planting 100 pairs of cloned trees throughout the Bay Area. This Educator Guide explores conceptual art as well as the investigative and ethical issues of life science and cloning.
All Natural: Jim Denevan and Chris Drury
SPARK tails artists Jim Denevan and Cris Drury as they create large earth works. This Educator Guide is about the history and tradition of artists making work in and about the natural environment.
You Decide: Should fast food companies be held legally liable for the impact of their products on co
This educational guide focuses on whether or not fast food companies can be held legally liable for the impact of their products on consumers' health. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they stand on this controversial issue.
You Decide: Do Americans pay too much in federal income tax?
This educational guide focuses on federal income tax, investigating different tax systems and the fairness and efficacy of each. Students are invited to examine the arguments on both sides of the debate, developing critical thinking skills as they work through the activities. Students will learn how to support their arguments with evidence and reason. It is expected that at the end of this guide students will determine where they stand on this controversial issue.
On the Case: An Introduction to the Genre of Mysteries
In this lesson, students will view a video from the series Reading Rainbow, "Mystery on the Docks" by Thacher Hurd. Mysteries provide an opportunity to teach reading strategies such as questioning, prediction and problem solving. This lesson will also focus on the characteristics common to all mysteries and the devices that authors use to create setting, characters, plot and suspense.
Opportunity and Discrimination, A Dream of Gold
The lesson focuses on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and why the Chinese Exclusion Act is important when considering the concept of racism. It provides critical thinking activities directed at understanding how the Chinese used the legal system and the Constitution of the United States.
Representing History: North Korea - Behind the Wire
This unit introduces students to North Korea, a communist country that is seen by the West as an autocratic regime in contrast to the democratic, capitalist South Korea. Students will examine how their preconceptions as an audience affect their understanding of this documentary.
