In this lesson, students use a guided reading to look at a report on the status of education in North Carolina in 1869, and discuss the reasons given then for why the Governor and Legislature should support educating North Carolina's children. They are provided an opportunity to compare and contrast the 1869 document against their own ideas about the civic duty to attend school through age sixteen, and its relative value to the state and the country.

Historian William E. Leuchtenburg talks about past presidential elections and how the 2004 election fits or defies precedents.

The 3Plus-U site was developed to give you a view of the common concerns shared by millions of people who work. This digital adventure uses maps, games and stories to explore the issues of child labour, forced labour, discrimination and freedom of association in the workplace.

The Ramayana, the famous Hindu epic, is retold here in words and illustrations by "The Golden Eagles," Loretta Hopper's Grade 2 class from Ephesus Elementary in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

This lesson introduces students to the role of African-Americans in WWII using news reel. This lesson is based on the understanding that students have already been exposed to news reel as primary source documents in the Social Studies classroom (this can be done in succession with Lesson #1 or as a stand alone lesson during African-American History Month or during a WWII unit).

In "Against All Odds", students follow a young person's flight from oppression in his or her home country to exile in an asylum country. The game is intended to increase students' awareness and knowledge about refugees -- where they come from, what situations they have faced and how they adapt to their new lives. Educators across the United States can help students learn about the plight of refugees and understand the importance of treating refugees with tolerance and respect. UNHCR offers free educational materials for teachers of grades 4-12, including lesson plans, magazines, videos, Posters and games.

This Wide Angle video looks at the advantages and disadvantages of running a small-scale, female-only business.

In this video from Wide Angle, learn about the influence of the communist values of organization, discipline and collectivism on North Korean society.

A part of history is often forgot when teaching younger students. This is the relocation of the Cherokee Indians when the white settlers wanted their property. The US Government moved whole groups of Indians under harsh conditions. This trip became known as the Trail of Tears. Using this as a background students will explore and experiment with persuasive writing as they try to express the position of Cherokee leaders.

By creating a PR campaign for a historical or literary figure, students can practice a wide range of thinking skills.

Putting historical or literary figures on trial makes a lively and challenging alternative to a class debate.

Designing museum exhibits encourages students to think creatively and to use a wide range of thinking skills.

This "Rethinking Reports" series of articles offers alternative research-based assignments such as a re-election editorial and a resume for an ex-president.

This "rethinking reports" series of articles provides alternative research assignments that challenge students to think critically about historical actors.

Each month during 2007, LEARN NC will feature an in-depth look at one aspect of the Library of Congress' American Memory with a special focus on North Carolina materials.

Learn about the perceptions and challenges of being a Muslim woman in the U.S., in this video segment from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly.

This site examines the job of a president, the balance of power with the Supreme Court and Congress, and ways presidents have communicated with the public. Features include the battle sword of George Washington, the lap desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and the top hat worn by Abraham Lincoln the night he was assassinated.

These classroom guides have been designed to help educators use the ANCESTORS IN THE AMERICAS series and companion web site in history, geography and social studies classes (grade levels 9-12). The lesson plans may also be adapted for use as stand-alone exercises.

The ANCESTORS IN THE AMERICAS companion Web site helps to round out the stories and ideas presented in this groundbreaking series. Visit the Asian American Timeline to learn about specific moments and events that shaped Asian American history. Join an online discussion to talk about the series or related topics regarding Asian Americans. Use the Resource section to further explore the Asian American experience.

This video segment from WILD TV features the dogs housed in an animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico.