History Channel study guides

Okay.

I’m torn.

I like the History Channel. But I don’t like the History Channel. There are history type things on the history channel but in the last few years, there’s been just a little too much Pawn Stars, Ice Road Truckers, Extreme Marksmen, and American Pickers for me.

But if you can navigate your way past the frozen roads and around the stuff being sold over a pawn shop counter, there are still some useful bits on the HTC. The History of US and How the States Got Their Shapes, for starters.

There is also something called the THC Classroom that is actually pretty good. (One thing you might look at is the September 17th Emancipation Proclamation live webcast the HTC is promoting as a partner with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian)

The Classroom also has some other useful stuff including a page of new study guides and a list of older ones. These study guides, both US and Global, provide some nice structure if you do use History Channel videos in your class and some great ideas for discussion questions and activities even if you don’t. I especially like the Citizenship Quiz!

There are short video clips that would be great hook activities for introducing different lessons and units. Go to the Shows page and click the show you’re interested in. You’ll see a link to a variety of available videos.

America: The Story of US on History Channel

If you haven’t been paying attention, you’ve already missed half of it.

The History Channel is broadcasting a 12-part series titled “America: The History of US” that started several weeks ago and continues every Sunday night until the end of May.

The History Channel PR people are pretty proud of it:

With highly realistic CGI animation, dramatic recreations and thoughtful insights from some of America’s most respected artists, business leaders, academics and intellectuals, it is the first television event in nearly 40 years to present a comprehensive telling of America’s history. Elaborate, ambitious and cinematic, the series will take you into the moments when Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress, from the rigors of linking the continent by transcontinental railroad–the internet of its day–to triumphing over vertical space through the construction of steel structured buildings to putting a man on the moon. It is an intensive look at the people, places and things that have shaped our nation, and the tough and thrilling adventure that is America’s 400-year history.

And they’re probably right. While not an in-depth look at American history, it does do a nice job of providing an overview of major historical events. You can (and probably should) chunk out smaller slices of the episodes as a handy way to hook kids into deeper topics.

I really like the graphics and CGI effects that provide a good overview of geography and space. Students will also appreciate that not all of the interviews are “stuffy” historians, the show seems much more “conversational” than a typical documentary.

On the show’s web site you’ll find a variety of resources you can use. There are several short video clips as well as a few complete episodes to view online, iTunes episodes for only $2.99, an interactive online quiz, a teacher’s guide and a separate activity guide. Teachers can also receive a free DVD of the entire series through an online request form. The site also has some nice cross-links to similar topics.

The History Channel is airing re-runs throughout the week. Check the Episode Guide for specifics.

I missed The People Speak!

Color me embarrassed.

I forgot to set the DVR last night to save The People Speak on the History Channel. The People Speak is the TV documentary version of Howard Zinn’s Voices of a People’s History.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. Narrated by Howard Zinn and based on his best-selling books, A People’s History of the United States and Voices of a People’s History of the United States, THE PEOPLE SPEAK illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today and reminds us never to take liberty for granted.

And I didn’t remember until Mike Zimmer reminded me.

It doesn’t look like they’re going to re-air it anytime soon. Well . . . there is a nice teacher’s guide you can download, Howard Zinn’s site to visit, video clips at Vimeo and at the Voices of a People site and some nice resources. Eventually there will be a DVD of the event coming out.

But it would have been nice to watch it last night.