Student Links

• Where do you fit?: Follow this link to take a quiz that will help you determine whether your political views are closer to the Democrat or Republican party.
• Why Study History?: Follow this link to watch a video montage on why students should learn about history. The video shows several historical clips, multiple arguments on the importance of learning about history, and does all this to the tune of Coldplay's Viva la Vida. If you like that, then check out this montage based on Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire.
• How to Do Research: Are you having trouble figuring out how to write that research paper? Then this is the page for you. Brought to you by the Kentucky Virtual Library, this page takes you on a step-by-step journey on how to conduct research and write a report. This can be a very handy tool in a history class. Even if you are confident in your ability to conduct research and report on it, I recommend this site. You never know, you may learn a tip that just might improve your ability to conduct research.
• Timeline of US History: This page offers a concise history of the United States, from 1780 to present day. The timeline displays the overlapping themes of States, Territories, Presidents, Society, Native American, World, Science, and Culture. Not only is this site a great overview of US History, but it is a great way of understanding how different events are connected to each other.
• Digital History - Using New Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Research: This is an amazing website that offers a wealth of quality information related to US History. This site offers multiple primary and secondary sources in the form of videos, biographies, interviews, images, timelines, music, and more. Although the site seems to target teachers, the wealth of information is easy to access and equally valuable to students conducting research. The topics on this site start with The First Americans (pre-Columbus), and ends with the 21st Century. I cannot overstate just how fantastic this site is. If you are working on a research project, I highly recommend you pay it a visit.
• Historical Thinking Matters: This website is an excellent resource for information on the Spanish-American War, the Scopes Trial, Social Security, and Rosa Parks. The site is designed to help students learn how to read, analyze, and critique primary sources. Additionally, the site offers videos that can aid student's understanding of the aforementioned historical topics. For students working on those topics, this site will be invaluable.
• Smithsonian for Students: This page offers a variety of resources for students. Although it does not exclusively focus on history, it does have a dedicated page to history (simply click on the History & Culture link in the navigational tool). The site also allows you to search by topic, play educational games, participate in online activities, and to simply browse interesting articles. Personally, I was very excited when I found that the Smithsonian offers an electronic version of Hnefatafl, which is sort of a Viking-era version of chess. Have fun exploring what the Smithsonian has to offer!
• History Here: History Here is a free app that can be downloaded onto your smart phone or tablet. Provided by History.com, this app uses the GPS in your device in order to locate nearby points of interest where historical events took place. For example, by studying the History Here app, I discovered that the site of the Rosenthal Car Bomb was just down the road from John C Fremont Middle School. This was the infamous attempt on the infamous gangster Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal's life. Click the link to learn more about the app, or simply download it on from the app store on your mobile device.

Las Vegas Museums & Other Points of Interest: The following sites will take you to the home pages of Las Vegas area museums, as well as a few other interesting places that are worth visiting. Most of these are within a short distance from the Strip. Take a moment to browse them. Perhaps you will see something you like. Most museums have frequent special offers, such as free days or student discounts. Please note that this is most definitely NOT a list of all museums and historical sites located in and around Las Vegas. Be proud: this is a town with a lot of History, and there is much more to see than what I have listed below.

• The Las Vegas Natural History Museum: This museum is focused on the natural histories and science. It features an amazing dinosaur exhibit, aquariums, and much more. This museum is located on Las Vegas Blvd, right next door to the Cashman Center, and is definitely worth a visit!
• Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort: Built in 1855, and currently sharing a parking lot with the Natural History Museum, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort has the distinction of being the oldest structure in Las Vegas. Home to the original Mormon settlers, this fort is a testament to the history of Las Vegas. Furthermore, admission is only $1 (and free for kids 12 and under)!
• The Mob Museum: Interested in the history of crime? Than the Mob Museum is the place for you. Situated in the historic post office building in Downtown Las Vegas, the Mob Museum explores some of the more interesting figures and events of Las Vegas' more sinister past.
• The Springs Preserve: Although the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort may be the oldest structure of Las Vegas, the Springs Preserve is where our history really got started. As early as 1843, when John C Fremont first marked Las Vegas on the map, visitors have been coming to this natural spring. Today, the SpringsPreserve is located just off of the Strip, and includes multiple attractions, gardens, classes, and events that any visitor will quickly fall in love with.
• Nevada State Museum: Located on the grounds of the Springs Preserve, the Nevada State Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts regarding the history of Nevada, and Las Vegas in particular. Exhibits vary from natural history to the historical experience of Las Vegans during World War II.
• The National Atomic Testing Museum: Did you know that some of the first atomic bombs were tested in Nevada? Did you know that Las Vegas residents used to watch bombs go off from the Strip like they were some sort of light show? To get a real feel and understanding of the role Nevada played in propelling the United States into the Nuclear Age, take a stop by the National Atomic Testing Museum.
• Clark County Wetlands Park: Located on the Eastern tip of Las Vegas, the Wetlands is a large preserve with a lush habitat that sustains over 300 species of plants and animals. Personally, I have observed scores of rabbit, hawks, quail, turtles, frogs, a gopher snake (non-poisonous), ducks, coyotes, blue herons and much more. The park is free, amenedies are new, and the visitor center offers includes educational exhibits on the local wildlife. At the very least, the shade from the great willow trees offers a cool respite from the desert heat.
• The Hoover Dam: Once known as Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam is not only a giant hydroelectric power plant, but a national monument. Built during the Great Depression, the Hoover Dam generates an enormous amount of energy, and is responsible for the creation of Lake Mead. Tours inside Hoover Dam are available at a price. Otherwise, you can visit and walk across the Dam, and the newly constructed Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that crosses high above the Dam.
• Clark County Museum: This museum is a 30-acre site that features exhibits that range from Nevada's pre-historic to modern times. Included in this site is a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield. The museum is located in the heart of Henderson. The majority of the exhibits are outdoors, so plan your visit according to the weather.

"The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet." -Aristotle