Exploring History: More Information

The Exploring History series allows students to simulate historical events, read historical fiction, analyze primary source documents, and write persuasive essays.

About Exploring History

The National Council of the Social Studies (NCSS) Standards

Each title in the series is loaded with good, solid information written to align with the NCSS standards. The correlation of activities to standards is thorough and easy to use.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Although the topics in this series fall under the heading of social studies, other areas of the curriculum are also addressed. Whenever possible, young adult literature is suggested so students can learn about history from a young adult's perspective. Writing assignments vary from diaries and journals to speeches and persuasive essays. Activities also involve art, drama, science, and math.

Multiple Perspectives

Each title in this series includes activities in which students voice conflicting opinions from a historical period and debate the issues, basing their points of view on extensive research.

Primary Source Documents

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to do original research using primary source documents.

Preparation for Standardized Tests

Activities such as analyzing primary source documents and defending conflicting opinions not only reinforce learning of the subject matter, they also help students learn how to write essays for the document-based assessments that are an important part of many tests.

Assessment Rubrics

Included in each package is a Rubric Bank from which criteria are chosen for assessment purposes. Teachers and students can brainstorm together, creating a list of criteria appropriate and meaningful to the unit.

Simulations

As students act out history, it comes alive. If students read, discuss, dramatize, and engage in reflective writing experiences, knowledge will move into students' long-term memories and guide them in decision-making and problem-solving throughout their lives.

Authors

Titles for grades 5 & Up are by Andi Stix, Ed.D. and Frank Hrbek.

Dr. Andi Stix is a national educational consultant and administrator who has been actively teaching for over 20 years. She owns an educational consulting firm called The Interactive Classroom as well as The Gifted and Talented Enrichment Centers which are after-school programs for highly creative and bright youngsters throughout Westchester County, New York. Dr. Stix received her doctorate from Columbia University. She has written articles for such educational journals as NCSS's Social Education and NMSA's Middle School Journal, and she speaks at conferences across the country. Dr. Stix was named the Educator of the Year from AGATE (Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education) in New York State.

Mr. Frank Hrbek has been a middle school social studies teacher in the New York City school system for more than 30 years. He earned a degree at New York University, majoring in English with minors in Journalism and History. For his master level work, Mr. Hrbek majored in History. In recent years, he has aided Dr. Stix in workshops and conferences.

Awards

Titles for grades 5 & Up have won the following awards:

Program of Excellence Award winner 3-time from the New York State Council for the Social Studies.
Program of Excellence Award winner from the Middle States Council for the Social Studies.
Outstanding Curriculum Development Award from the NAGC Curriculum Division Competition.

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