Spine: Background information sources: Choose 1
The resources below are linked so that you can look at them. Many are free online.
Answer keys are available (for most) in the "teacher resources" tab above if you have the password. If you have learned about this website at conference, use the contact form on the homepage to let me know which conference you attended, and I will send you the password.
- Freedom: A History of US this free online resource can also be purchased as an inexpensive text is written at a Jr. High level and works well as a stand alone text for student with lower reading levels. It has an engaging, storyteller's flavor.
"Webisodes" 2 and 3; then 7-16
Complete CORNELL NOTES and online quizzes - A Documentary History of the United States This inexpensive text is challenging and is perfect for a student who really wants to dive into history. Each chapter contains an overview of the era, and then present a few of the most important documents of the time period with discussion questions. College bound students can profitably read both this text AND the Digital History text below for a strong overview. (CH 1,2, 15-32)
Complete CORNELL NOTES - Digital History This free online resource can also be printed out to create a hard copy. Written at a solid high school level, it includes primary source quotes and references and higher level thinking questions. It is well paired with Great Documents in US History 2 for a solid high school course.
- Great Documents in US History This resources provides students access to reading and analyzing documents and writings from 1880 through 2001. Presenting primary source documents in bite-sized servings, this text provides historical context, the importance of the documents, essential vocabulary and comprehension questions.
- The American Pageant has been used in AP US History classes for years. This is a free , online, older version of the text. AP US History classes complete all the chapters, while this course will only be focusing on Chapters 8-10 and 22-42
Complete CORNELL NOTES & TAKE TESTS - Videos: The combination of these two video programs provides a rich background in a documentary format. For students who prefer a visual approach, or those who struggle with reading, this is accessible and free online. American Experience: Reconstruction the 2nd Civil War Part 1 Part 2 AND The Century: America’s Time with Peter Jennings
Complete questions during viewing - Study.com US History High School This course provides a written transcript, for students who want to read, but what makes this course unique is the clear and effective use of graphics and narration. This approach really helps the concepts stick, especially for students who like clear, concrete explanations. This course costs $60 per month per teacher. It is a nice program for a school or co-op to purchase, but is too expensive for most individual home-educators. The Homeschool Buyer's Co-op often has a stiff discount (70%) available. It is worth checking out. The teacher has to send out the chapters to students each month. (Chapter 5 AND 12-24) Students take notes and quizzes, but only get points for chapter tests., which are taken at school. These tests cannot be sent out, but most of the questions on the tests have appeared in the quizzes. Consider adding Great Documents in US History .