Social Studies
Yosemite Cultural History
This course is designed to allow teachers the opportunity to learn about the contributions of the Southern Miwok, early pioneers, the US Army, the concessionaires, environmental groups, the National Park Service, and various governmental agencies in the development and protection of Yosemite National Park. Course participants will explore Yosemite through readings, multimedia and the rich resources found on the Web. Those choosing to engage in the optional field study will have the opportunity to visit museums, visitor centers and walk self-guided nature trails.
The Stewardship of Lake Tahoe
This online course investigates the political, social, economic and environmental forces that have shaped the development of the Lake Tahoe basin. Focusing on the use of the area from the indigenous Washoe to the runaway development that accommodated the crowds of the present, students will learn how the use of the environment has led to deterioration of the basin. Students will come away from this course with valuable lessons about how human development has affected the development of the West and how citizens and the government have attempted to solve the environmental problems that have resulted. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as they develop integrated lessons for their classroom that align to state, district or national standards, including the Common Core Standards. Visiting Lake Tahoe is optional.
Our National Parks
This course is designed as an introduction to the history of the use and preservation of the National Parks Service from its inception in 1916. Through the text, videos and the rich resources offered on the Internet, students will gain insight and knowledge into the National Parks rich heritage and the issues surrounding the Park Service. This course highlights not only the history but the geological features of the parks formed by the actions of erosion, weather, glaciers, igneous activity and water. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as they develop integrated lessons for their classroom that align to state, district or national standards, including the Common Core Standards. This courses draws upon the resources from PBS, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.
Yellowstone Cultural History
This course is designed to introduce individuals to the cultural history of Yellowstone National Park through readings, multimedia and the rich resources found on the Web.
China: A Cultural History
This online course is designed as an introduction to the history of China from prehistoric times through the rise of the modern society. Through the text, videos and the rich resources offered on the Internet, students will gain insight and knowledge into China’s social, political, religious and cultural heritage. The transformation of this fascinating country will be explored, from its economic development and social revolution to China’s role in world history. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as they develop integrated lessons for their classroom that align to state, district or national standards, including the Common Core Standards. Required textbook must be purchased separately.
Japan: A Cultural History
This online course is designed as an introduction to the history of Japan, from its earliest known civilization to the present. Through the text, videos, and the rich resources offered on the Internet, students will gain insight and knowledge into Japan’s art, religion, and geography. The social, political, and economic development will be explored as students learn about the significant people, works of literature, and historic events that shaped Asia’s wealthiest nation. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as they develop integrated lessons for their classroom that align to state, district or national standards, including the Common Core Standards.
India: A Cultural History
This online course is designed to introduce educators to the cultural history of India. It provides students with insights about India’s social, political, religious, economic and cultural heritage through readings, multimedia and the rich resources found on the Web. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as they develop integrated lessons for their classroom that align to state, district or national standards, including the Common Core Standards.