Previous HITS Workshops - Fall 2006/Summer 2007

September 28, 2006
Introductory History Day
This course is designed for teachers who would like to implement History Day in their classroom or learn the skills of History Day to implement all year long.

October 4, 2006
The United States as a Nation of Immigrants
Expanding on themes of the 2006 Summer Institute, this one-day workshop will examine historical patterns in assimilation and cultural persistence in this “nation of immigrants,” explore the impact of immigrants on American culture in the realm of food and foodways over the past century, and focus on the Hmong experience as a recent case study in balancing tradition and acculturation. » Photo Gallery

October 9, 2006
Advanced History Day
This workshop is for teachers who have completed the Introduction to History Day who wish to continue expanding their skills as History Day Historians.  Working with the Min- nesota Standards and analyzing past History Day presentations will deepen the expe- rience.

December 12, 2006 - Minnesota Historical Society
Space, Place and the Social History of St. Paul (and Minnesota) from the Ground Up
This workshop will trace the social and geographic development of St. Paul over the past 150 years.  By drawing on the expertise of University of Minnesota Professor Mary Wingerd, author of the prize-winning book Claiming the City: Politics, Faith, and the Power of Place in St. Paul; by exploring the new exhibit “Open House: If These Walls Could Talk”; and by utilizing the tremendous archival resources of the Minnesota Historical Society Library, this workshop will discuss how the integration of history, geography, and demography can help students uncover the social and political histories of St. Paul.  Building on topics and themes raised in recent HITS workshops, the December workshop will investigate how patterns of migration, immigration, urbanization and industrialization changed the city of St. Paul.  In addition to hearing about the changing residential, commercial, and industrial landscapes of St. Paul from presenters, teachers will conduct hands-on research to identify curriculum materials pertaining to the history of St. Paul houses and neighborhoods. » Photo Gallery

February 8, 2007
From Middle Grounds to Market Places:  Exchanges in American History
This workshop will consider the significant role of commerce and other forms of exchange in bringing different peoples together and shaping American history from the colonial period to the present, from the fur trade and slave auction to the stock market and shopping mall. » Photo Gallery

April 19, 2007
Cities, Suburbs, and Civic Life in American History
This workshop will explore the changing spatial organization and development of cities from the 19th to the 21st century, historical patterns of segregation (including Jim Crow) and integration in U.S. policy and practice, and the significance of suburbanization in American society.  » Photo Gallery

May 2, 2007
HITS Fieldtrip
Part I of the fieldtrip will take teachers to the Kelley Farm. Teachers will engage in activities surrounding settlement and agriculture in MN, the grange and "hands-on" farming opportunities. After a "pioneer style" lunch, teachers will board the bus for Part II. The tour will head to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum where they will learn about Ojibwe history, culture, lifeways and American Indians in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
» Meet at the Center at 7:45am. The bus will return no later than 6pm.
» Participants should dress appropriately for the day--we will be walking through the fields of the Kelley Farm.
» Kelly Farm Photo Gallery     » Mille Lacs Indian Museum Photo Gallery

June 18 - June 22, 2007
SUMMER INSTITUTE
Continuity and Change in American Democracy
A week-long institute devoted to the deepening of U.S. History content knowledge and expanding both professional resources and resources to be utilized in the classroom. University of Minnesota Professors provide most of the instruction.   » Summer Institute Schedule    » Photo Gallery 1   » Photo Gallery 2

August 15, 16 & 17, 2007
HITS and History Alive!
Teachers will learn about the instructional power behind the TCI Approach through proven methods such as building content skills in reading with many hands-on, creative ideas. Teachers will be able to choose two lesson packages (each worth $500) for the level (middle or high school) and the content that they teach.