Have students compare and contrast each other's lists, noting and explaining differences and similarities between their lists.

Step 3: Research
Ask students to discuss the reliability of their sources with the following questions:

a. How reliable are their sources?
b. How do they know that they are reliable?
c. What is heresay?
d. Is it possible to have a knowledge base on history based on heresay?
e. Is any source completely trustworthy? Explain why or why not.

Ask students to locate three new sources to define and identify the items from their lists. Students can use texts, video, the internet etc. Upon completing the assignment, have students compare and contrast their original definitions to their revised definitions. Did they uncover new information about the topic?

Ask students to make some general statements about the implications this exercise has on teaching and learning about U.S. history, particularly the use of textbooks.

While Viewing Booknotes
Directions: Answer the following questions with information from the Booknotes program.

1. Who pushed Mr. Zinn to write this book?

2. Why did Mr. Zinn write this book? Explain what he meant.

3. What was happening in the United States during the time he was writing this book?

4. Describe Mr. Zinn's boyhood and early years before and after his entry into the Navy and World War ll. How did these experiences shape his worldview on the topics discussed in this interview?

5. Who buys Mr. Zinn's book? For what purposes is it used?

6. Characterize some of the negative feedback the author has received. What is his response to negative feedback?

7. Characterize some of the positive feedback that Mr. Zinn has received. What is his response to positive feedback?

8. What famous movie star is connected to Mr. Zinn's book? Describe the connection between the movie star and Mr. Zinn's book. What is your reaction to this connection? Does the connection stir you to want to see the mentioned movie or read Mr. Zinn's book? Why or why not?

After Viewing Booknotes

Discussion
Mr. Zinn says that through his book, readers will learn about events from a different point than that from which they are usually presented. He says some of the angles he takes are "startling." How does Mr. Zinn's point of view affect the content?

Have students reflect again on the notion of research methods and the reliability of sources. What are some general conclusions about the teaching and learning of history that can be drawn from this interview?

Activity
Ask students individually to propose a new history or social studies textbook. The text should cover the some of the content topics discussed by Mr. Zinn. The students should use evidence from Booknotes to support their explanation of the book summary and naming of chapter titles.

Review students textbook proposals by comparing their book proposals with Howard Zinn's, A People's History of the United States, 1492 -Present. What is similar? What is different? What topics do the students have on their lists that Mr. Zinn did not mention?

Ask the students to consider how their own personal experiences may have affected their choices of determining what should be included in an American History textbook.