Social Education

By Robert Cohen
Many have questioned whether the document on which our nation is based sanctioned slavery. But renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who originally condemned the Constitution, came to view it in a much different light.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7205/7205246.pdf

—Jean A. Luckowsi and James J. Lopach
An issues-centered approach to impeachment can help students to both appreciate the wisdom of our constitutional framework and understand why such strong differences over how to interpret the Constitution emerged in the recent debate over impeaching President Clinton.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/6302/

—Mira Cohen
Some memorable days in our nation’s history are declared holidays, while others are considered days of remembrance. This article explores the process of establishing a holiday to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7307/7307332.pdf

—Wayne Journell
Teachers can use this selection of campaign ads to help students analyze various aspects of political propaganda.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7307/7307325.pdf

—David L. Rosenbaum
The featured document from FDR’s speech inaugurating the Triborough Bridge provides an entry point for the study of New Deal programs and discussion of the government’s role in planning, funding, and creating infrastructure.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7307/7307310.pdf

—Katy Benedetto, Alexandra Lamb, and Robert Cohen
With the help of primary sources, teachers can give students the opportunity to reflect on the complexity and contradictions of U.S foreign policy by introducing them to Chile’s September 11.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7306/7306287.pdf

—Christine Blackerby
The featured document on federal aid for school lunches and the accompanying essay on the School Lunch Act provide students with a unique chance to study the role of government.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7306/7306260.pdf

—Anne Claunch
The Dutch contribution to America’s economic system and cultural fabric was highly significant, yet history textbooks barely mention their early seventeenth-century influence on America.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7305/7305248.pdf

Gary Fertig and Rick Silverman
Creating biography webs helps young learners recognize how people, economic conditions, and significant events shaped the personal development of historic individuals.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7305/7305244.pdf

John J. DeRose
Students learn how local history has coincided with national events and trends when they create scrapbooks to document the history of their high school.

• http://publications.socialstudies.org/se/7305/7305240.pdf