New Book Series Engages Students in Economic History

College Park, Md. (PRWEB) June 6, 2007

National History Day announced today the release of an "American Economic History Series," a three volume set of resource books focused on engaging students in a better understanding of American economic history.

"The series provides active lessons and engaging content that span America's economic history from the colonies to the 1980s and is an excellent addition to any economics or American history course," said Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day.

The books seek to bridge the gap between "intimidating" economic history and more accessible approaches and narratives used in the teaching of American history to high schools students. Instead of presenting students with reams of economic data and confusing charts, the documents help instructors integrate economic history seamlessly into their curriculum.

"Each lesson uses primary source material to highlight the ways in which economic history ties into and illuminates other approaches to history: cultural, legal, religious, social, and political," said Ann Claunch, director of curriculum at National History Day. "The series equips teachers with all of the materials they need to move students beyond charts and dates toward a deeper and critical understanding of economic history - exploring connections over time and applications to today's world."

For more information and to view excerpts from the series, visit http://www.nhd.org/shop and click on "American Economic History Set." The series includes the following books:

American Economic History Volume I: 1650-1860, the first book in the three- volume set covers the period just after the establishment of the American colonies to the evolution of water transportation in the early 19th century.

American Economic History Volume II: 1860-1890, the second book in the three-volume set covers the period of western expansion to industrialization following the Civil War.

American Economic History Volume III: 1890-1980, the third in the three-volume set covers the period of the Populist movement to the oil and energy crises of the 1970s.

Each resource book contains:

• Background information for teachers and students providing vital and interesting contextual information on America's economic history.
• A wealth of primary source materials including laws, advertisements, letters, cartoons, speeches, journal entries, editorials, and photographs.
• Questions to guide students for each lesson along with a list of key vocabulary words and information on resources for further analysis and reading.
• Engaging classroom activities that help instructors integrate economic history seamlessly into their curriculum and encourages students to analyze and evaluate key economic concepts in American history.

About National History Day
National History Day, Inc. (NHD) is an education organization that is transforming the way history is taught and learned. National History Day helps teachers meet educational standards; disseminates high quality curriculum materials; and sponsors challenging contests that teach students critical skills for the 21st century. National History Day improves education EVERY day. Through NHD, students develop critical thinking and research skills by creating exhibits, performances, documentaries and papers they may enter in competitions at the district, state and national levels. The 2007 national contest is June 10-17 at the University of Maryland.

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