Search form

Back to Blog

Star Wars Can Teach History?

x wingIt is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and now Star Wars has been examined and presented as a means to teach world history. A new book entitled Star Wars and History claims that the epic space story parallels many earthly historical events. Star Wars creator George Lucas has denied any intentional links to actual events, but admits that due to the films' overall narrative of good vs. evil and war and rebellion, it would be impossible to avoid any similarities.

Nonetheless, authors Nancy Reagin and Janice Liedl have created an interesting way to present world history to students via a pop-culture phenomenon that is almost universally loved. CNet sat down with Liedl for an interesting look behind the making of the book. Read the interview here.

More

New Year's Factoids: Great...

Teachers: Click here for the complete Freebie (with Extension Activities).

NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
 


 

Fun World New Year ’s Factoids!


In Russia, divers place a New Year’s tree...

How a Gifted Program Might Have Changed...

I was tested for gifted in the first grade and placed in a pull-out program, where the teacher came (maybe once per week, don’t remember) to work with me and another student. According to my parents, shortly after, school officials canceled the program. From that point on, I participated in a general classroom until being placed in honors classes in middle school. I found high school boring and considered my teachers, for the most part, ineffective, boring, and preoccupied with their own...

A Different Take on "Gifted"

“Giftedness is a greater awareness, a greater sensitivity, a greater ability to understand and transform perceptions into intellectual and emotional experiences”

                                                             Annemarie Roeper, 1982.

 

The above quote is perhaps my favorite definition of what it means to be “gifted.”  There are countless...

ADHD or Gifted?

Before you refer that student for ADHD testing, read this blog.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood behavior disorder, occurring in 3-7 % of school-aged children. The challenge is that gifted students can display similar characteristics as those diagnosed with ADHD, leading to misdiagnosis. Furthermore,...

Around the World in 30 Days -- November...

 

At the IB Heads World Conference in The Hague, Peter Senge discussed with me the "Education Renaissance," sharing both successful learning strategies and the setbacks to be considered when creating innovative...

Holidays at the White House: An...

Holiday Traditions at the White House!
An Interactive Notebook Activity

by...

The Global Search for Education: What...

I asked Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change, what she believes are the key improvements needed in...

Pages