Samuel TottenTwelve years after genocide, Rwandans work hard to overcome the scars; yet a recent trip showed the author that division and rage still threaten the nation’s stability.

Johanna Gorelick and Genevieve Simermeyer/The Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American IndianWhile the modern story of Thanksgiving describes the original feast as a friendly gathering of neighbors, in reality it had much more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and an attempt at peaceful coexistence.

C. Frederick RisingerFrom classroom blogs, day-to-day assignments, research links, or descriptions of special history projects, teachers and schools are expanding their use of the internet. The author reviews some particularly noteworthy teacher- or school-designed websites.

Ron LevitskyThis veteran teacher concurs with a recent report that social studies “gets no respect,” but while pondering key issues, he asks: Are things that bad?

Raphael Mazzone and Lee Ann PotterAs World War I neared its end, a worldwide epidemic claimed more victims than the war itself. The two featured documents recall the loss of life and havoc in the United States.

Social Education StaffWill this year’s congressional elections force a change in control of the House or Senate? This informational feature reviews influential midterm elections in the past and identifies 24 key House races and 8 competitive Senate races for classes to monitor.

Lisa Prososki/PBS NewsHour ExtraThis lesson plan helps students understand the significance of midterm elections, learn about election issues in depth, and create projects that teach their fellow classmates about selected issues.

C. Frederick RisingerThese websites provide an array of resources, lesson plans, and information for teaching about the midterm elections.

Ernest Morrell and John RogersAfter studying about Brown v. Board of Education in textbooks, high school students in L.A. examine the decision’s impact on their local community.