Wisconsin History Highlights

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Delving into the Past

Jonathan Kasparek, Bobbie Malone, and Erica Schock

A collection of topics and resources from Wisconsin’s past to encourage middle and high school students—and especially National History Day students—to dive into history!

292 pages, 8.5 x 11, 280 b&w photos
Hardcover: $39.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-358-9
Publication Date: 9/21/2004

Reading Level: Ages 12 and up, Grades 6–12

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Front cover of Wisconsin History Highlights

Description

Wisconsin History Highlights encourages middle and high school students, including National History Day participants, to use Wisconsin topics and resources as they research American history. The book guides students on their way, drawing them in with the topics most likely to spur their curiosity and enthusiasm. Wisconsin History Highlights introduces students to essential skills for historical research, including locating primary and secondary materials, choosing and narrowing a topic, and avoiding plagiarism.

The text includes nine chapters: Discovering the Past; Immigration; Agriculture; Industry; Environment; Social Issues; Government; Tourism; and Arts, Entertainment, and Sports. Each chapter has a variety of concise historical vignettes about specific events, people, or places in Wisconsin history, and within each vignette, students will find hints to get started with research on that or a related topic.

The chapters contain many illustrations of sample source materials, and each closes with a detailed bibliography of available primary and secondary resources. Students will find ample guidance, making Wisconsin History Highlights an essential tool for expanding students’ conceptions of history and refining their research skills.

Author Bios

Jonathan Kasparek

Jonathan Kasparek is a history professor at the University of Wisconsin–Waukesha and the author of several books and articles on Wisconsin history, including the award-winning Fighting Son: A Biography of Philip F. La Follette and Proxmire: Bulldog of the Senate. He lives in Waukesha.

Bobbie Malone

Bobbie Malone is former director of the Office of School Services at the Wisconsin Historical Society and the author of several books on Wisconsin history written for the classroom. Now retired, she lives in San Antonio, Texas.

Erica Schock

Erica Schock is a writer and editor based in Wisconsin. She has collaborated on numerous books for young readers.

‘Wisconsin History Highlights: Delving into the Past’ is a wonderfully written book that provides those who read it with a new insight and appreciation for our state’s history through engaging passages and suggestions for further research. This book is a definite must have for teachers who want their students to learn more about Wisconsin’s rich historical past!

Alan Tulppo

US history teacher, Northland Pines School District

“By connecting students with topic ideas and accessible resources, Wisconsin History Highlights provides an extremely useful tool for teachers who incorporate National History Day or other historical research projects into their classroom curriculum.”

—Emma Starzewski, former National History Day coordinator for the State of Wisconsin