Category: History and Civics

  • Unmasking Fall Traditions

    Unmasking Fall Traditions in the Classroom

    This piece unravels the origins and cultural significance of six observances: Halloween, All Saints’ Day, Reformation Day, Samhain, November 5th, and Dia de los Muertos, highlighting how these festive occasions have shaped global traditions and enriched cultural understanding.

  • 2008 Election: 15 Years Later

    The 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, with Barack Obama’s victory as a first African American president, symbolizes progress and changes in political dynamics, engagement, and aspirations, also influencing global views on American leadership.

  • Movie Reviews With Historical Perspective

    Originally posted in Nov 2012. This new update includes a rubric references using AI tools in the review and editing process. Students may watch one of the following movies and write a 500-750 word historical perspective on the movie. You must provided reference to at least two profession movie reviews and explain how the movie…

  • Why I Watch Frankenstein (1931)

    I use the 1931 adaptation of “Frankenstein” in classes to stimulate discussions about film evolution, literary adaptations, thematic exploration, and critical analysis. This encourages students to engage in creative projects and critical thinking about storytelling, cultural significance, and the impact of adaptations in narratives.

  • TMIH Space Exploration: October

    October holds significant importance in space history, marked by meteor showers, the dawn of the Space Age, trailblazing spacewalks, and Mars landings, making it a focal point for astronomical education and discovery.

  • Recommended Reads for Native American Heritage Month

    In order to create a more inclusive learning environment, it is crucial for educators to utilize a variety of contemporary resources that highlight the diverse aspects of American history and culture. Here is my list of recommendations for National Native American History Month.