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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt & HISTORY®
Social Studies Curriculum Grades 6–12
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ and HISTORY® have formed an exclusive partnership to create social studies curriculum that connects students to history through virtual experiences that are energizing, inspiring, and memorable. Combining the exceptional scholarship of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt with the experiential multimedia assets of HISTORY, we’ve created a new arena in the classroom. Together, we invite you to be a part of history.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt & HISTORY in your classroom
- Social studies curriculum infuses HISTORY assets, connecting students to content
- iBooks® Textbooks bring social studies to life with anytime, anywhere mobile access
- Motivating product resources enhance classroom instruction and inspire students
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved. iBooks® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
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Why?
Inspire...
students with the story. HISTORY® videos and interactive games transport students into what they are studying, providing them with an unforgettable virtual experience. Compelling stories told with dynamic visuals grab students' interest to stimulate and encourage learning.
Connect...
to 21st-century learners. HMH® Social Studies programs are organized to help students connect to the content and develop important 21st-century skills. Content that is accessible to all students and instruction that requires them to apply what they know enables students to learn with focused success.
Experience...
engaging interactive multimedia. Multimedia Connections, developed in partnership with HISTORY, provide in‐depth coverage of key concepts that are brought to life in the Interactive Online Editions with interactive features, video, primary source documents, and activities.
Imagine...
easy-to-access digital content. HMH Social Studies programs link exceptional content with a world of enhanced features such as activities, interactive maps, primary sources, and videos.
HISTORY® and the "H" logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Interactive Brochures
Experience the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ Social Studies programs through an innovative Interactive Brochure! Watch social studies come alive with embedded interactive links. Sample videos, technology demonstrations, and more are just a click away!
Now available for middle school at hmhco.com/SS-MSOverview or high school at hmhco.com/SS-HSOverview
HISTORY® and the "H" logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Product Demos
Watch the below videos to discover how HMH® Social Studies programs engage students and prepare them for success.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Common Core
With today’s emphasis on Common Core State Standards, it is more important than ever to have a social studies program that meets the rigor these standards demand. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ Social Studies exposes students to the skills and understandings necessary for college and career readiness and helps them become literate, in all its forms, in the twenty-first century.
The Grades 6–12 strand in Social Sciences promotes an interdisciplinary approach to literacy by:
- Including primary source analysis and Common Core informational text reading
- Incorporating literature and historical fiction selections
- Utilizing higher-order thinking skills of text evidence, determining point of view, distinguishing fact from opinion, and more
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards
Reading in History/Social Sciences
Key Ideas and Details
Using key skills like analyzing, evaluating, determining main idea from supporting detail, and drawing conclusions, students will actively look for text evidence in support of learning objectives. Complete skill lessons teach these explicitly, and ample assessment opportunities allow for demonstration of knowledge.
Craft and Structure
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt teaches students how to read social studies-based informational text with particular guidance and practice on understanding historical readings, developing historical perspective, and formulating historical questions. This focus allows students to understand and compare points of view, determine bias, and recognize propaganda as they interpret a variety of primary sources.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
HMH® Social Studies offers students continuous opportunities to access a variety of sources—print, audio, visual, interactive media, and video—and in turn to analyze and assess them in 21st-century applications. Students can demonstrate their understanding through projects, proposals, presentations, and more.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
HMH Social Studies offers students a wealth of text genres in the Student Editions, related support material both in print and online, and related small volumes focusing on primary source collections, historical readings, literary collections, and historical literature.
Writing History/Social Sciences
Text Types and Purposes
HMH Social Studies is committed to the student writing process with skills and lessons to support them every step of the way with ample and varied writing can be found in formative assessment, informal assessment, formal assessment, and portfolio opportunities.
Production and Distribution of Writing
Whether in print or online, HMH Social Studies offers a variety of writing opportunities and platforms for students to research and publish their writing.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
HMH Social Studies teaches students how to analyze bias, determine point of view, and recognize propaganda, along with interpret print, visual, and Internet source material. The depth and variety of skills culminates in students critically reading and responding to text and supporting their written argument with critical analysis and text evidence.
Range of Writing
HMH Social Studies offers a variety of writing projects—both short term and long term—to support the different needs of today’s classrooms and schedules. Students demonstrate their knowledge for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework
Research shows us that fewer and fewer students are receiving a high-quality social studies education, despite the central role of social studies in preparing them for the responsibilities of citizenship.
The new College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies State Standards was developed with this in mind, and changes the focus of how social studies is taught in the classroom.
The result of a three year state-led collaborative effort, the C3 Framework has been developed to enhance the rigor of the social studies disciplines, while building the critical thinking, problem solving, and participatory skills necessary for students to become engaged citizens. The C3 Framework also serves to align academic programs to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies.
To find out more information about what the C3 Framework means for you in your classroom, download a free whitepaper that describes why the C3 Framework is necessary, what the guiding principles are, and how it is organized to engage students in active inquiry.
C3 Framework Whitepaper (449 KB)
For more information, or to download a complete copy of the C3 Framework, visit www.socialstudies.org/c3
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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iBooks Textbooks
An Interactive Journey Through History
iBooks Textbooks are now available!
These Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ Social Studies iBooks® Textbooks feature:
- Embedded HISTORY® chapter videos with dozens more available via streaming
- Image galleries
- Multimedia including interactive features and time lines, audio summaries, 3-D graphics, and interactive maps
- Text highlighting, note-taking, and bookmarking
- Interactive section quizzes
- Built-in search for any word or phrase
Download free samples or purchase full iBooks Textbooks on the iBook StoreSM now!
The Americans
The Americans explores the story of United States history through the people who experienced it firsthand.
World History: Patterns of Interaction
World History: Patterns of Interaction weaves primary source content into a highly visual design to help students recognize key themes, concepts, and turning points in history.
Geography
Geography helps students relate distant places and cultures to their own lives. Each unit addresses physical geography, human geography, and major issues of a specific region of the world.
United States Government: Principles in Practice
The subject of government can be challenging, yet comprehension is crucial in order to successfully participate in the democratic process. That’s why Houghton Mifflin Harcourt designed an innovative program that actively involves students in the learning process.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iBooks are trademarks of Apple Inc., register in the U.S. and other countries. iBooks Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
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Products
Middle School Programs
World History
World History © 2012 utilizes standards-based content and research-based reading instruction to teach middle grades world history. It creates a richer understanding of the mysteries of the past and their impact today with vivid, instructional visuals and high-interest scenarios. The program ensures success for all learners and addresses standards by integrating the content and skills necessary to meet them.
World Geography / World Regions
World Geography and World Regions © 2012 provides a clean, navigable design and is accentuated by an art program that is both engaging and instructional. This strong skills program ensures that middle school students learn the Essential Elements and Themes of World Geography. The program is available in six modular or three single-volume options providing teachers with a flexible, manageable program that can be customized to match curriculum.
United States History
United States History © 2012 is a middle grades United States history program that utilizes standards-based content and research-based reading instruction to teach United States history. It provides the tools to create a richer understanding of America's past and its impact today. The program ensures success for all learners and addresses state standards by integrating the content and skills necessary to meet them. The program motivates students with lively features rich in the relevance of United States history. Social Studies skills, such as map reading, research, geography, and civic participation are integrated throughout the program.
High School Programs
The Americans
The Americans © 2012 is a highly integrated program that provides teachers with a practical and motivational approach to teaching U.S. history and to helping students think critically and reflectively. The Americans explores the story of U.S. history, weaving the reflections of people who experienced history firsthand throughout the narrative. Thought-provoking lessons make history human and relevant to students' everyday lives, helping them to realize the richness of our nation's history.
The Americans is now available as an iBooks® textbook.
World History: Patterns of Interaction
World History: Patterns of Interaction © 2012 is a highly integrated program that provides teachers with a practical and motivational approach to teaching world history and to helping students think critically and reflectively. World History: Patterns of Interaction combines a highly visual approach with primary sources to help all students understand world history and make global connections. It emphasizes the big picture by connecting key concepts, themes, and patterns of interaction found throughout history.
World History: Patterns of Interaction is now available as an iBooks textbook.
Geography
Geography © 2012 uses an engaging visual manner that captures students' attention and challenges them to make geographic comparisons and connections. It motivates students to explore current geographic issues to show the relevance of geography to current events. It is clearly organized between physical geography, human geography, and today’s issues (current events). It balances a big-picture approach to world regions with attention to individual countries where appropriate.
Geography is now available as an iBooks textbook.
United States Government
Designed to balance the need to cover key, standards-based government topics and motivate students to learn, United States Government: Principles in Practice provides an innovative program that actively involves students in the learning process. The program provides content relevant to their everyday lives. Print and electronic materials engage all types of learners, while a well-structured narrative ensures that students will understand and apply principles of government. Collaborative hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and high-interest debate topics based on real-world case studies build problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Making our political system meaningful to all students, United States Government: Principles in Practice encourages responsible participation.
United States Government is now available as an iBooks textbook.
Product Resources
Streaming Digital Media Library
Designed for Grades 4–12, the Streaming Digital Media Library contains thousands of captivating and searchable multimedia resources from a source you trust—HISTORY®, a part of A+E Networks™. Continually updated with the new HISTORY media such as WWII in HD and AMERICA The Story of Us, teachers and students can seamlessly bring any social studies course to life with the click of a button.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved. iBooks are trademarks of Apple Inc., register in the U.S. and other countries. A+E Networks™ is a trademark of A&E Television Networks, LLC.
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Features
Together Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ and HISTORY® are revolutionizing the way students learn and the way educators present social studies.
Quality content enriched with compelling Multimedia puts students in the moment and creates new opportunities for them to relive, reflect, and re-imagine the people, places, events, and decisions that have made us who we are today.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Multimedia Connections
Developed in partnership with HISTORY®, Multimedia Connections provides in-depth coverage of key concepts brought to life in the Interactive Online Edition with interactive features, video, primary source documents, and engaging activities that are embedded in the online text.
Teacher resources include complete teacher lesson plans, vocabulary activities, and performance-based assessment suggestions.
Chapter-level videos and unit‐level Multimedia Connections enrich students’ understanding.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Streaming Digital Media Library
Designed for Grades 5–12, the Streaming Digital Media Library contains thousands of captivating and searchable multimedia resources from a source you trust–HISTORY®, a part of A&E Television Networks. Continually updated with the new HISTORY media such as WWII in HD and America The Story of Us, teachers and students can seamlessly bring any social studies course to life with the click of a button.
The Streaming Digital Media Library opens a dynamic main screen that has easy access to all features of the service. The background is changeable and alters with the selected Featured Video.
Find thousands of HISTORY video clips, prescreened for classroom use. Watch full-length features such as The People Speak and America The Story of Us.
Browse the library by topic or search by keyword. Create a playlist of videos for your students.
Streaming Digital Media Library 14-Day Preview
- Go to preview.hrw.com
- Enter sample word history11
- Get your username and password
- Log in to my.hrw.com
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Multimedia Resources
HISTORY® is the leading destination for revealing, award-winning, original nonfiction series and event-driven specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive, and entertaining manner. Innovative multimedia content in HMH® Social Studies programs is provided by HISTORY to capture students' attention and connect them to people, places, and events being studied.
Streaming Video
HISTORY videos transport students into what they are studying, providing them with an unforgettable virtual experience.
Interactive Maps
Multiple layers of interactive maps help students discover and understand how events occurred.
Compelling Primary Sources
Compelling stories told with dynamic visuals bring people, places and events to life, grabbing students’ interest to stimulate and encourage learning.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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This Month in History
This Month in History, featuring resources from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™, HISTORY®, Channel One News®, and the Center for Civic Education, provides free, high-quality content each month that teachers can use in their classroom. Subscribe today and be the first to access engaging videos, resources, and current events for your students.
HISTORY
Through our exclusive partnership, HMH® and HISTORY provide provides high-end media that immerses students in the study of history, teacher democratic ideals, and fosters geographic fluency.
HMH Election Connection
HMH Election Connection features dynamic online resources designed to help students learn, understand, and participate in the presidential election process.
Channel One News
Channel One News®, a digital content provider focused on encouraging young people to be informed, digital-savvy citizens, provides daily newscasts, videos, and lesson plans.
Center for Civic Education
The Students Take Action civics education curriculum promotes competent and responsible student participation in state and local governments.
HMH Current Events
HMHCurrentevents.com spotlights today's headlines and enriches classrooms with blogs, quizzes, activities, web links, and subject-specific information.
HMH In The News
HMHinthenews.com delivers age appropriate web-based current events for K–5 students and teachers.
HISTORY® and the "H" logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™, HMH® , and Channel One News® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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Keeping It Current
This Month in History
Inspire your students to become active and informed citizens.
HMH®, HISTORY®, Channel One News®, and the Center for Civic Education offer resources to help students understand history and encourage them to become actively engaged in their community.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All rights reserved. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt®, HMH®, and Channel One News® are registered trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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Current Events
HMH Current Events features subject-specific information from world history, world geography, American history, economics, psychology, sociology, civics, government, and African American history.
HMH Presidential Election Connection provides dynamic online resources to help students learn about, understand, and participate in the presidential election process. Innovative digital resources include Channel One News® daily broadcasts and resources, HISTORY® videos, WebQuests, study guides, readers, and comprehensive primary source selections.
Newseum® connects students to front pages around the world and news sources such as CNN®, Fox News™, The New York Times®, and The Washington Post®.
HISTORY® and the "H" logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved. CNN® is a registered trademark of Cable News Network, Inc. Newseum is a registered trademark of Freedom Forum Newseum, Inc. Fox News™ is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. The New York Times® is a trademark of The New York Times Company. The Washington Post is a registered trademark of Washington Post Company. BBC® is a registered trademark of The British Broadcasting Corporation. Channel One News® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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Sponsorships
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ is committed to supporting educators in their efforts to inspire and enhance learning. We are proud to sponsor these organizations that foster passionate, curious learners inside and outside the classroom.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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National History Bee
The National History Bee for Middle School, created by the National History Bee and Bowl (NHBB), is an academic quiz tournament that promotes history education in a fun and exciting way. In this fast-paced competition, students race to demonstrate their knowledge of history from a wide array of eras and disciplines. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt sponsors the Grand Prize scholarship.
2015 High School Results
Bruce Lou, Saratoga, CA
High School Varsity Division ChampionAlex Schmidt, Bethlehem, PA
High School Junior Varsity Division Champion2015 Middle School Results
Benji Chiu, Portland, OR
Middle School Champion2015 Elementary Results
Enzo Cunanan, Winter Park, FL
Elementary School Champion2014 Middle School Results
Alexander Schmidt, Allentown, PA
Middle School ChampionSiddharth Kamannavar, Santa Clara, CA
Elementary School ChampionT.H. Rogers, Houston TX
Team Bowl Champion2014 High School Results
Jonathan Leidenheimer, Falls Church, VA
Varsity ChampionJonathan Leidenheimer, Varsity Champion with David Madden, Executive Director of the National History Bowl and Melissa Hill from HMH.
Daniel Yan, Farragut, TN
Junior Varsity ChampionDaniel Yan, Junior Varsity Champion with David Madden, Executive Director of the National History Bowl and Melissa Hill from HMH.
2013 Results
Junior Varsity Champion
In the 2012–2013 school year, thousands of students in Grades 6–8 from across the U.S. competed in the annual National History Bee Competition. The top scorers, one from each of 32 regions qualified for a two-day National Championship held in Washington, D.C.
"The 2013 National History Bee and Bowl was a phenomenal tournament in my opinion, and was definitely my personal favorite among the various quiz bowl competitions I have attended throughout high school. In addition to the incredible staff, question writers, competitors, coaches and leadership of Mr. Madden, generous sponsors like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt truly made this tournament an unparalleled experience. Houghton Mifflin’s monetary commitment to this tournament has allowed me to cover travel expenses and attend other quiz bowl tournaments, for which I am unequivocally grateful. Furthermore, the various book prizes that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has provided over the years have not only further exemplified their unwavering desire to promote education, but have also been exceptionally helpful to me personally within the tournament itself. For instance, the question in the National History Bowl Finals that clinched the game in my favor was on the Pequot War, which I was able to correctly answer solely because of the presence of a thorough examination of the conflict in a book prize that the company provided last year, Indian Wars, which is also a marvelous read and one of my favorite books. Overall, I would like to sincerely extend my thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for their strong support of the National History Bee and Bowl and dedication to promoting history as a subject in its entirety. I hope that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt continues its involvement in the tournament in the future and further bring prosperity to this already excellent competition."
-Sameer Rai
National History Bee Junior Varsity Champion
Sameer Rai
Bellarmine College Prep
San Jose, CAVarsity Champion
National History Bee Champion
Alex Frey
St. Joseph High School
Metuchen, NJHISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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National History Bowl
Founded in 2010, The National History Bowl is a history competition for teams of secondary students throughout the United States. In this fast-paced competition, middle school and high school teams answer questions and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of history. State and Regional History Bowls lead up to the National History Bowl championship. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt sponsors prizes awarded to the top teams and individuals.
Congratulations to the 2015 Varsity and Junior Varsity National Champions!
Saratoga High School
Saratoga, CA
(High School Varsity Division)Hunter College High School
New York City, NY
(High School Junior Varsity Division)Advanced Math & Science Academy
Marlborough, MA
(High School Varsity Small School Division)Hewlett High School
Hewlett, NY
(High School Junior Varsity Small School Division)Congratulations to the 2015 Middle School National Champions!
Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church, VA
(Middle School Division)Congratulations to the 2014 National Champions!
Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy
(High School Varsity – Austin, TX)Westview High School
(High School Junior Varsity – Portland, OR)Beachwood High School
(Varsity Small School – Beachwood, OH)Advanced Math and Science Academy
(Junior Varsity Small School – Marlborough, MA)Members of the Westview High School JV Champions Jonathan Tran, Priyansh Sharma, Shouvik Deb, Nishit Mishra with Melissa Hill from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and David Madden, Executive Director of the National History Bowl.
The Opening of the 2014 National History Bowl with Founder and Executive Director David Madden. David Madden presents the Volunteer Service Award to Edward Goralski.
2013 National Champions
Junior Varsity Champion
"Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's sponsorship of the National History Bee and Bowl is a fantastic investment that provides opportunities for thousands of students across the country. Our team has participated in History Bee and Bowl events since the inaugural season and have been fortunate enough to win back-to-back National Titles. My students and I appreciate all the opportunities that we have been provided, none of which would have been possible without this generous sponsorship."
"As the reigning Junior Varsity National Champions in the National History Bowl, my students worked hard all year to try and defend their title in 2013. After a series of tough matches over the weekend, we were able to emerge with a second national title. I want to thank the National History Bee and Bowl for providing this fantastic opportunity to not only my students, but to the thousands of students who competed in regional, state and national events around the world. None of this would have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, to whom we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. We look forward to competing in National History Bee and Bowl events in the future!"
National History Bowl Junior Varsity Champion
Northmont High School
Clayton, OHTeam members: Sam Blizzard- Captain
Tori Amos
Robbie Spilker
Rachel Tracy
David Jones- CoachVarsity Champion
National History Bowl Champion
Hunter College High School
New York, NYHISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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International History Olympiad
Organized by The International History Bee and Bowl (IHBB), the International History Olympiad brings together top history students from around the world for a week-long celebration of history with various competitions, field trips, seminars, and social events. The event includes Quiz Bowl competitions covering a variety of topics offering opportunities to attendees with different interests and strengths including:
- Ancient History
- Art History
- Classical Music History
- Historical Geography
- History of Science and Technology
- International History Bee
- International History Bowl
- Military History
- Recent History
- Rock and Roll
- Scramble
- Sports History
2015 Inaugural International History Olympiad
The first annual International History Olympiad was held at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia on July 9–15, 2015. Sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™, this inaugural event included middle school and high school history students representing 13 countries. HMH® is pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2015 International History Olympiad.
International History Olympiad Winners
Congratulations to the 2015 International History Olympiad Winner Bruce Lou.
Bruce Lou—Overall Olympiad Champion
- Varsity National History Bee Champion
- Varsity National Bowl Champion
- US History Bee Champion
- Varsity International History Bee and Bowl World Champion
Bruce Lou, Overall International Olympiad Champion and David Madden, IHO/NHBB/IHBB Founder and Executive Director; Andrew Leung and Bruce Lou, Varsity International History Bowl Champions
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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United States Geography Olympiad
The US Geography Olympiad is the official qualifying competition for US students for the International Geography Olympiad. The United States Geography Olympiad was founded in the summer of 2012 as a new, nationwide competition to test the geography skills of American students and to help foster geography education throughout the United States. The competition aims to reward students who have devoted themselves to studying their world, and its countries and peoples, as a thorough knowledge of geography is essential to being an educated citizen today. Click HERE for registration information.
2015 Varsity & Junior Varsity National Championships Results
Congratulations to:
Kevin Li of Westview High School in San Diego, CA
2015 Varsity US Geography Olympiad National Champion
Karan Menon of John Adams Middle School in Edison, NJ
2015 Junior Varsity US Geography Olympiad National Champion
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Citizenship Counts
Civic education has never been more vital in helping students understand the rights and responsibilities that come with being a United States citizen.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is committed to supporting teachers by providing rich educational materials designed to engage students in the principles of government and to prepare them for active, involved citizenship.
About Citizenship Counts
Citizenship Counts® is a national, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to educate today’s youth on the tenets of citizenship, encourage them to appreciate their rights and responsibilities as Americans, and give them an opportunity to celebrate their citizenship by engaging in a naturalization ceremony or participating in a service-learning project.
The Vision of Gerda Weissmann Klein
Citizenship Counts was founded by author, humanitarian, and proud naturalized citizen, Gerda Weissmann Klein. She immigrated to the United States of America in 1946 and became a U.S. citizen in 1948. She treasures her citizenship and the opportunities this country has given her. As a Holocaust survivor, she brings a unique perspective to the meaning of immigration and citizenship. She believes that “in order to perpetuate the miracle that is America, we must teach our children about its rich history as a nation of immigrants who chose this country and have given meaning to its ideals.” From this belief, Citizenship Counts was born. Gerda believes that civic education, combined with active participation in one’s community, “helps ensure that the citizens of tomorrow will continue to foster tolerance, understanding, service to one another, and a greater appreciation for the privilege and responsibility of citizenship.”
To ensure that Gerda’s vision for an educated and engaged citizenry becomes a reality, the Citizenship Counts program was created. The Citizenship Counts interactive, multidisciplinary, middle/high school curriculum not only enhances students’ academic knowledge and skills, it also helps them gain a true appreciation for their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America. Citizenship Counts also educates students about the role that legal immigration has played and continues to play in creating our diverse and dynamic country. As circumstances permit, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to support U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. federal courts in hosting a community-based naturalization ceremony, held at their school or other community venue. This creates a unique intergenerational learning experience where students, teachers, and community members are all able to celebrate this milestone occasion with the new citizens and their family and friends.
Resources for Schools
Visit the Website
To learn more about Citizenship Counts, and to access their free curriculum including a service-learning guide and a guide for planning a naturalization ceremony, please visit citizenshipcounts.org
Watch a Video
Watch a video to learn more about Gerda Weissmann Klein, Citizenship Counts, and hosting a naturalization ceremony.
The Path to Citizenship
In addition to the Citizenship Counts curriculum program, Citizenship Counts has collaborated with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to produce The Path to Citizenship activity book, in support of the work of the organization’s founder Gerda Weissmann Klein.
The Path to Citizenship offers middle schools and high schools an interactive program designed to educate students about the naturalization process by bringing actual naturalization ceremonies to schools.
By engaging students in the naturalization process, The Path to Citizenship guides students in gaining a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the value of American citizenship.
The Path to Citizenship Handbook (17.7 MB)
Citizenship Counts® is a registered trademark of Citizenship Counts. HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Constitution Day
This is a recording of the live Constitution Day Webcast event originally aired on September 17, 2010. The event was sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and HISTORY®.
HISTORY® and the “H” logo are the Trademarks of A&E Television Networks LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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HMH Professional Services
Our Mission Is to Advance Yours
HMH Professional Services forges student-centered partnerships with schools and districts in the belief that all learners deserve a quality education and the opportunity for lifelong success.
HMH Professional Services includes teachers, leaders, and technologists. Our Professional Learning Consultants become part of your team, working right beside you to build and implement professional learning plans that respect the unique needs and culture of your school or district community. Through program, practice, and technical services, we work collaboratively to unlock the full potential of every student, teacher, and leader.
Visit us at hmhco.com/professionalservices to learn more.