Software, Videos, and DVDs

PBS Teacher Source www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/teachers_or.html

• Teachers can use the American Experience films and websites to teach about the

social studies. Included is a teacher’s guide and resources for active learning.


“Strategy: Instruction in Action” (2002). Four 20 min. videos.

Available from Stenhouse Publishers at www.stenhouse.com

This series shows how second- and fifth-grade teachers model thinking as they read

aloud and their students watch. Guided practice and discussion as well as

independent practice are demonstrated. Teachers are debriefed by consultants who

also share their insights.


“Constructivist Approach to Social Studies.” (2008). YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pFMPSWBds

• Fourth and fifth grade students explain how they are working on a project in

social studies based on their own state of California.


“Teacher’s Toolbox 7.0 CD-ROM.” Ablesoft. Available from www.amazon.com for
$12.99.
• The latest version of this comprehensive classroom administration system provides
a lesson planner and report-card generator, in addition to grading, scheduling,
seating-chart design, attendance monitoring, test creation, and student reporting.

“Fourth and Fifth Grade Students Demonstrate the 1960s Protest Rallies.” (2008). (7 min.)
**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emeua80Hajw**

• Students demonstrate protests against segregation in schools during the 1960s.
“Patricia Palacco.” (2010). 10 min. YouTube.
**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II8Qq_QYT9Y**
• Patricia Polacco tells stories of the multiethnic neighborhood in which she grew up.

“Walter Dean Myer.” (2010). 10 min. YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt0pHdHp2s4
• Walter Dean Myer, an African American YA author, tells his life story and how
his work relates to students.

“Nick Maxim: Boy with No Hands.” 2011. 3 min. YouTube.

**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hLEg7tMr3M**

Nick is a special needs student who won a national handwriting contest.


“Speeches of Abraham Lincoln.” 45 min. Teacher’s Video Company.

Available from www.teachersvideo.com


“Liberty’s Kids CD-ROM.” The Learning Company. Available from www.amazon.com

Students encounter soldiers, spies, Indians, Loyalists, statesmen, and townsfolk in a series

of adventures that place them right in the middle of one of the most important eras of

America’s history, the American Revolution.


“Oregon Trail 5th Edition CD-ROM.” The Learning Company.

Available from www.amazon.com (Mac, 98, Vista).

For ages 6–10, students can travel through 2,000 miles of adventure while building



decision-making and problem-solving skills.