Hands-On History: Teaching the Past in Powerful New Ways

At Adolphus Elementary, 5th grade teacher Ms. Brooke Howard recognized the need to make social studies more engaging and accessible for her students. With the help of the LEAF-funded grant The Rest Is History & History in the Making, she brought in new textbooks, teacher online subscriptions, and interactive resources that are transforming the way history is taught. From hands-on activities like tug-of-war to explore the Revolutionary War to storytelling through mini-books written from diverse perspectives, students are now experiencing history in a whole new way.

Purpose & Impacts grant was designed with a clear intention:

The goal of this project was simple: to engage students in meaningful and memorable social studies instruction. The team wanted every student to connect with history—not just memorize dates and names. With the History Alive curriculum, teachers now have a streamlined and cohesive way to deliver lessons that match the books students are using, making it easier for them to follow along and stay engaged. Lessons are consistent across classrooms, and teachers feel better equipped to explore the past with depth and creativity.

Inspiring Future Historians

Through this initiative, students are showing increased excitement and curiosity about history. They're asking thoughtful questions, engaging in deeper conversations, and gaining a better understanding of how the past shapes the present.

Teachers have seen how having aligned resources and interactive lessons helps students retain more, stay focused, and connect emotionally with historical content. The classroom energy has shifted—history is now one of the most anticipated parts of the day.

Thanks to LEAF, 5th graders at Adolphus Elementary are developing a strong foundation in critical thinking, historical understanding, and a lasting love of learning, skills that will carry them far beyond the classroom.