Course Introduction

How To Use This Page

On this page, you fill find an introduction to many of the resources and materials that you will find throughout this course. It will introduce you to resources that will be used throughout the course and to books, sources, and collections that will be referred to frequently throughout the course. The lectures, videos, featured content, and readings can be completed at each learner's own pace and will provide necessary knowledge and background to craft and deliver Iowa History lessons in a K-12 classroom.

Think Like a Historian

In this video, historian, author, and journalist Rachelle Chase discusses the value of studying history and the deep meaning she has found in exploring Iowa history. As a professional historian, she highlights skills like finding sources, researching, and communicating conclusions and presents a compelling vision for why learners of all ages should learn Iowan history.

Major Topics of Study

Throughout this course, several themes in Iowa's history appear over and over again:

• Migration and Immigration
• Agriculture and Technology
• Politics and Reform
• Economic Cycles of Boom and Bust
• Civic Engagement
• Civil Rights

Notable Iowans

For every unit, a list of exemplary and significant Iowans provides students with opportunities to learn about Iowans who took informed action and made an impact on society. These individual range from major political figures like Samuel Kirkwood, Henry A. Wallace, and Terry Branstad to leaders and everyday Iowans from other arenas such as Keokuk, Annie Wittenmyer, Jessie Field Shambaugh, and Maria Pearson.

Historic Sites

Iowa is full of valuable historic sites. Every unit will provide opportunities to explore the value of place-based learning and the importance of storytelling through historic sites. 

State Historical Society Objects, Documents, and Photos

Objects, documents, and photographs from the State Historical Society of Iowa are excellent catalysts for further inquiry in the classroom or for independent lifelong learners. Each unit will provide robust lists tied to the major learning goals and allow for exploration for learners of all ages. The below video provides an overview of many of the resources that will be featured throughout the course.

Video Resources

In in unit, numerous video resources provide opportunities to hear expert lectures, engage with panel and book discussions, or listen to oral histories and reporting from the era. These videos provide opportunities for a deep dive into specific topics and may catalysts for further exploration or tools for use in the classroom.

Further Reading

This curated collection of readings allow teachers, students, and lifelong learners to explored a curated collection of primary sources, articles, books, and essays that supplement and provide depth to the topics covered in this unit.

The books listed below are great places to get started learning Iowa and Midwestern history. In particular, Jeff Bremer's 2023 book A New History of Iowa shapes this course and is an ideal companion grounding text.