February is the annual observance of Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, culture and achievements of African Americans. The history of African Americans is an integral part of the history of the United States. Join HLN and explore some great Web resources about African Americans that you can incorporate into your curriculum!

The Civil War was a time of great strife and conflict that divided our nation. It resulted in the end of slavery and left deep scars on the country. What were the causes of this bloody war that pitted brother against brother? Why did the South want to secede from the Union? In this unit, we examine the roots and causes of the Civil War.

In 1607, a group of about 100 settlers from England landed near the Chesapeake Bay in what is now Virginia. They established Jamestown, the first permanent British colony in North America. As more settlers came, they formed thirteen colonies that extended from Maine to Georgia.

As the end result of the effort of many individuals, the Constitution represents an excellent model of cooperation, diplomacy, and compromise. Join us in this unit study which explores this historic document and its place in U.S. History.

Over the last century, the number of automobiles in the U.S. grew from 8,000 to 218 million! Many people credit the rise of the automobile to Henry Ford– his mass production methods made automobiles affordable, and transformed travel around the world! In this unit, explore the life of Henry Ford and the early development of the automobile.

"Travel Back in Time (Grades 6-12)The Importance of Letter Writing (Grades 3-12)Gold Rush Fun and Games (Grades 6-12)Getting the Gold (Grades 6-12)Women in the California Gold Rush (Grades 3-12)Why Gold? (Grades 6-12)The Donner Party (Grades 9-12)"

Several gold rushes contributed to the westward expansion of the United States. The California Gold Rush, combined with a cry of "Manifest Destiny," united the country from the East Coast to the West.

The Industrial Revolution changed the way the world worked and lived. It affected every part of a person's day, from where and how they lived and ate, to where and how they worked. This was a time ripe for inventions and new technology.

Thomas Jefferson was one of America's greatest presidents. He authored the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase, and had a strong hand in shaping the future of the newly formed United States of America. Learn more about this great American statesman.

Over the last century, the number of automobiles in the U.S. grew from 8,000 to 218 million! Many people credit the rise of the automobile to Henry Ford– his mass production methods made automobiles affordable, and transformed travel around the world! In this unit, explore the life of Henry Ford and the early development of the automobile.

Nearly 400 years ago, a group of people left Europe to seek religious freedom. They made a treacherous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship called the Mayflower. Learn about the Mayflower and its journey to America with lessons and activities across the grades!

November is National American Indian and California Native Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture and contributions of the first people to live in America. The theme for the 2001 celebration is "Our children, our nations, our future." Begin your study of Native Americans with this two-part unit!

Native American tribes are classified into cultural groups with strong similarities. Each cultural group is unique in its traditions, history, languages and daily life. Learn about tribes from the Plains, Plateau, Great Basin and Southwest regions this unit that explores Native American life.

Every year, on the third Monday in February, Americans celebrate Presidents' Day, a holiday set aside to honor all the men who have served as chief executive of the United States. Although 42 men have held that office, most Americans are familiar with the achievements of only a few. In this unit, we will explore and honor all of America's presidents!

No Taxation Without Representation! This statement would help launch the American colonies into a war for economic and political freedom. In this unit, we investigate how the Revolutionary War began and study the men and women who fought for a new country.

For over 200 years, America was enmeshed in slavery. How did this happen? How did it stop? Join HLN in Part 1 of a 2-Part series on Slavery during Black History Month as we explore this dark period in American history, and how it ended.

For over 200 years, America was enmeshed in slavery. How did this happen? How did it stop? Join HLN in Part 2 of a 2-Part series on Slavery during Black History Month as we explore this dark period in American history, and how it ended.

The textile industry changed drastically during the Industrial Revolution. It was the starting point for radical changes that were going to happen both socially and economically throughout the western world. From the spinning jenny, to the power wheel, to the development of the factory, the production of goods would never be the same. Men were in a constant search for a way to produce goods-- better, quicker, and at a reduced cost. Come and explore some of these changes!

Urban life developed as factories were built in cities, and people from rural settings had to move to ensure their jobs and future. Life in the cities changed as more people arrived, yet they were often in search of jobs that did not exist. This mass urbanization brought with it both positive and negative effects. Join HLN in our search for what happened during this urbanization.

March is the annual celebration of National Women's History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women. The theme for the 2002 celebration is "Women Sustaining the American Spirit." Get in the spirit and join the Homeschool Learning Network as we explore some of the many accomplishments of women in our two-part unit. In Part One, learn about some achievements of American women.

Alaska's natives, more than 16 percent of the population, include the Tlingit and Haida, who live in southeast Alaska, and the Athabascans, who inhabit interior Alaska. In this unit we explore the Athabascan people and learn about their customs and values, way of life, clothing, history and language.

The first Californians were Native Americans. They lived in all areas of the state-in the Central Valley, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, in the desert regions and in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. They used the natural resources of the environment for food, clothing and shelter. Learn about California's Native Americans in this unit.

The colonists from Europe came to America for different reasons. Some came seeking religious freedom. Others came in the hopes of achieving economic growth. Although the colonists came for different reasons, they had one common goal: to start a new life. In part two of our Colonial America unit, learn about life in the thirteen colonies.

Enter the world of Lewis and Clark and explore the untouched and wild vastness of the American West, 1803-1806!

The cry of "Gold!" in 1848 sent excited groups traveling westward in the hopes of finding fortune. Several gold rushes contributed to the westward expansion of the United States. While most did not achieve wealth, their travels and settlements grew a nation.