Social Studies

This program explores the bicycle’s unique history and technology. The velocipede achieved great popularity almost immediately when it was introduced more than a century ago. Countless inventors were inspired to make bicycles more efficient and comfortable, and bicycle innovation continues today. Students will see historic bicycles and some amazing prototypes for the future. Program highlights include “high wheelers,” hand-powered cycles for the disabled, mountain bikes, and even a bicycle that rides on snow

Twelve high school teachers explore the use of primary source documents in the research and interpretation of American history. The programs feature informal lectures by prominent historians on pivotal events from the settlement of Jamestown to the Korean conflict and the Cold War. The teachers are led in discussions, debates, interviews, and role-playing as they investigate the original documents that “transmit the voices of America’s past.” Teachers will find the activities in this workshop can be adapted and used in their own classrooms.

George Washington Williams was the first African-American elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1880. In addition, he was a respected soldier, preacher, lawyer, and champion of human rights. This biographical documentary shares his inspiring story.

Curious about women inventors? Designed for use in the classroom or at home, this video features women and girls who share a common creative spirit and have won invention prizes and awards. Many have appeared in the Lemelson Center's "Innovative Lives" series for middle school students.

In the form of a game show, the Constitution Challenge features the "man on the street" and student contestants as they answer questions about the U.S. Constitution

Using historical footage and narration, this series focuses on the social, economic, political and scientific events of each decade - from the 1920s to the 1960s. Teachers can use either the simulation section for an overall approach to the decades or they can use the lesson plans that address each topic in the standards individually. The videos are an overview of each decade, with an emphasis on the topics listed in the educational standards.
 

In an exercise of enlightenment, a group of high school students was transformed into citizens of 18th century America and staged a day of intellectual and enlightening conversation at Mount Vernon, the estate of George and Martha Washington.  Dressed in colonial costumes and conversing in character, students discussed government, culture, and plantation life.  This program offers highlights of the day’s activities.

Season three of Our Ohio: Exploring Our Heritage includes five 7-10-minute video segments which take students to historic locations around the state.  The videos are aligned to the Ohio Academic Content Standards for grades 4, 5 and 8 and each includes accompanying lessons.  The videos and lessons explore the Underground Railroad and abolition movement in Ohio, the Fort Ancient Indians of Serpent Mound, as well as the Ohio National Road and the War of 1812.

Economics helps us understand how goods and services are provided and acquired (supply and demand). The focus of this project is to provide an understanding of the basics of economics, and to view economics with a historical perspective.  The goal of Economics Academy 101 is to provide videos, lesson plans and Web activities that help students, through hands-on activities, to understand both the role of economics in our society and the role it plays in the “economic” world.

World War II: Exploring Your Local History is a high school curriculum designed to engage students in learning about World War II. The purpose of this project is to help students learn about the impact of World War II in their own communities and make connections between local history and world events.