Podcast #149 - A Visit To The Alamo

Hello. Today's podcast is a reflection on my visit to the Alamo while attending NECC 2008 in San Antonio. Not meant as a visitor's guide, but rather just some general thoughts on some displays and my experience. As an 8th grade American history teacher I have taught the Battle of the Alamo for almost 15 years and it was great to see it in person. I have also found teaching an event is much more powerful once you have physically visited the original location.

I have included some pictures of the Alamo that I took on this trip. I dropped by once in the morning at around 7:00 AM, did a tour at 9:00 AM and then took some pictures one night at around 10:00 PM after a nice dinner on the Riverwalk.

Direct link to Speaking of History #149 - A Visit to the Alamo - MP3 Audio File - 10:20 Minutes

Podcast #145 - American History Idol Project

Hello. Today's podcast is a description of a project we do the last week of school at South Valley Jr. High called "American History Idol". The last couple of days of school each year are tricky because books have been turned in and typically finals are over a couple of days before our actual last day to allow make up tests, etc. We do this fun activity which crowns an "American History Idol" as voted on by the 8th grade student body at our school. Listen to the podcast to learn more about how we set up and run this activity.

Please feel free to leave a comment to this blog if you have any addition information or thoughts. You can also email me at speakingofhistory@gmail.com

Direct link to Speaking of History Podcast #145 - American History Idol Project - MP3 Audio - 15:40 Minutes