Studying U.S. covert operations to influence post-World War II elections in Italy can launch an excellent lesson on the Cold War and U.S. concern about the spread of communism.  

Wikipedia can provide useful facts for a summary report, but the anonymity and quantity of authors is problematic for historical research.

The memoir of a white journalist who disguised himself as an African American in the pre-civil rights South provides students with greater insight into the evolution of segregation in American society.

Although natural disasters occur with alarming frequency, most citizens are unprepared. The authors outline strategies for handling unexpected catastrophes and facilitating student healing.

Exploring the ways that various forms of patriotism (authoritarian, democratic, and critical) are represented in popular music can launch a stimulating classroom lesson on the meaning of patriotism across history.  

Debating controversial issues such as whether voter ID laws safeguard or suppress democracy helps students evolve as informed and active citizens.

Focusing on three intellectual challenges at the core of historical understanding—time; scale; and pattern—will help teachers promote a more meaningful understanding of history for students.