About This Project

Stories & Histories focuses on history themes that are aligned with the Colorado Content Standards in History. Within each theme, pivotal events, people, documents, legislation and judicial cases are explored. During the first year teachers will concentrate on a review of the national narrative in US history. During the second year, we will study the theme of "Liberty and Equality." The political and social evolution of these ideas from the 18th through the 20th centuries start with the John Peter Zenger trial and continue through the Patriot Act. In year three, teachers will study and practice the skills historians utilize. Using the Data Based Questioning (DBQ) Approach, teachers will practice document analysis, synthesis, and drawing conclusions from evidence. Each session in the academic year will be a practice of these skills so that teachers can take the activities and the techniques and apply them immediately in their classrooms.

The Stories & Histories approaches history as a "whodunit" and utilizes primary sources as the key to uncovering the past. As historians follow clues, uncover evidence and discover motives history comes alive and students become more involved in their own education. Using primary sources as the base for instruction, Stories & Histories will show teachers how to guide their students through all steps of the historical investigation process, how to include local history to demonstrate the national historical narrative, and how to engage students in understanding and appreciating America's colorful and eventful past.

Through its professional development approaches, Stories & Histories intends to improve teachers' content knowledge in US history and pedagogical approaches in presenting history lessons. Through these methods, Stories & Histories intends to improve all students' interest in and appreciation for US history resulting ultimately in improved performance and retention of this important and necessary discipline.