ELEMENTARY SOCIAL STUDIES

THE CURIOUS CASE OF LABOR DAY

THE MEMORIAL DAY MYSTERY

WHAT IS VETERANS DAY?

SMACKER$:

ELEMENTARY ENTREPRENEURS

Synopsis: In this energetic video, a class of enterprising second graders demonstrates a practical lesson in basic economics. Together they start their own business producing, marketing and selling “Smackers.” The goal is to purchase a new trophy case for their school.  This video is a simple and engaging instructional tool which boosts self-esteem while improving math and language skills.

Time: 11 min

Grades 1-3 

Middle School & Junior High

LIVING IN A WORLD OF ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Synopsis: Teenage cousins of diverse Latin American and Euro-American ethnic heritage explain the meaning of ethnicity and discuss the significance of ethnic diversity in the United States and the world. The range of worldwide diversity is illustrated with scenes from Southern Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Andean South America, the Middle East, and Europe. The richness of North American ethnicity is depicted with examples from African, Asian, European, Hispanic, and Native American cultures. Although problems of ethnic conflict are discussed, this program emphasizes the value of ethnic diversity and it’s multiple expressions in the U.S. and other countries. Students are encouraged to look for positive examples of the cultural richness that ethnic diversity adds to their communities.

Time: 17 min

Grades 6-9

MEXICO’S DAY OF THE DEAD

Synopsis: In this video, MEXICO’S DAY OF THE DEAD, a young man shares both the history and traditions of this national holiday that is celebrated each year on November 2. He explains how the holiday, as it is celebrated today, is now a blend of traditions taken from the ancient indigenous American civilizations of the past and the religious beliefs introduced by Christian missionaries during the Spanish Colonial period. It is the blending of these traditions that make this holiday a very unique part of the Mexican culture. This is a holiday that brings families and communities together in a very unusual way.

Time: 15 min

Grades 6-9

Secondary & College

AMERICAN HISTORY?

IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET!

Synopsis: AMERICAN HISTORY? IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET! is a film defining the range of urban archeology, and the importance of preserving the information available on historic sites.

Through the use of selected examples, AMERICAN HISTORY: IT’S BENEATH YOUR FEET! demonstrates the way urban archaeologists develop an understanding of our history by using artifacts left behind by everyday Americans. Urban archaeologists study historical documents such as community records, tax records, wills, church records, and newspaper accounts. Digging for artifacts in the wells, privies, and foundations often uncovered on construction sites, urban archaeologists piece together the history that seldom makes it into the history books.

Time: 29 min

Grades High School-College