U.S. history/computer for every student!

[NewTech]

Hi, everyone! You guys always have such good ideas, so I thought I would post this here.

After 10 years of teaching U.S. history (8th grade), I have taken a position in a new school teaching computer. My lab has 30 brand new Dells, and I am loving it! Even better: my principal has given me ONE 8th grade history class, as well.

I cannot express my joy at being able to teach history with a computer in front of every kid! Unfortunately, I didn't have much notice that I would get this class, so I was unable to prepare and think it through as much as I would have liked.

I would really appreciate your thoughts as to specific activities that could be done, general ideas about the different nature of such a class, possibilities, etc. I have loads of thoughts, but I know that you all will add things I've never even thought of!

[Boxcar]

This is just a quick brainstorm... Why not let the children play Oragon Trail for a class period. It's a fun game, and it works in the early history of how diffiuclt settling the frontier was.

[SS Rocks!]

Hi, everyone! You guys always have such good ideas, so I thought I would post this here.

After 10 years of teaching U.S. history (8th grade), I have taken a position in a new school teaching computer. My lab has 30 brand new Dells, and I am loving it! Even better: my principal has given me ONE 8th grade history class, as well.

I cannot express my joy at being able to teach history with a computer in front of every kid! Unfortunately, I didn't have much notice that I would get this class, so I was unable to prepare and think it through as much as I would have liked.

I would really appreciate your thoughts as to specific activities that could be done, general ideas about the different nature of such a class, possibilities, etc. I have loads of thoughts, but I know that you all will add things I've never even thought of!

Is your 8th grade curriculum the U.S. from Native Americans to Reconstruction?

My friend taught that last year and put together a couple web quests. One that stands out in my mind was using something from PBS that looked at the slave trade from numerous perspectives. The kids seemed to enjoy it.

I must say, I'm a little envious of your position. :D Good luck this year!

[cadreamer]

I know I've seen webquests out there for various U.S. History topics. Search and see what you find.

You could also build your own - I'm sure there's tons of history sites out there that the students could use for research/in-depth learning etc.