Community, Family, and Local History Learning Adventures in Citizenship Use New York City history as a springboard to get students investigating the history and habits of their own hometown. The site includes online games for kids grades 4-8, lesson plans, and a primer on using inquiry in the social studies classroom. Ancestors Students learn about different kinds of genealogical research. The site also discusses the special challenges faced by African-American families reseraching their ancestors. Forgotten Fires Follow one community's experience with hate crimes and their search for solutions.
Students define community and look at their own school as an example.
Students will discuss collective memory, the rules of community, and the role of the physical environment in determining community. Building an Oral History Students team up to develop oral histories about significant events in the community. Afterwards, they discuss the idea of 'truth' in storytelling and the role of the interviewer in shaping the story. Not In Our Towns The Not In Our Town Campaign promotes public dialogue and provides a model for community response to hate crimes and other associated problems. This site gives an overview of the waste disposal problem and recyling alternatives, and asks stuents to investigate ways they might cut back use of non-recylable products.