History happens all the time, everywhere, but we usually don't realize the significance of these historical moments until we read about them later in a history book. In 1892, Minneapolis hosted the Republican National Convention and in 1908, Denver was host to the Democratic National Convention. A century later, they will do so again. This August, the country and the world will have the opportunity to witness history as it happens, with a clear recognition of its importance. This momentous event enables us to study the present, compare and learn from the past, and chronicle this significant occasion for future generations.

When History Happens is a new, unique way for educators and students of all levels and disciplines to create powerful knowledge through studying and actively participating in a current and meaningful community event. Educators will combine 21st century learning skills (critical thinking, inference, perspective, and compare/contrast), standards-based toolkits (background, context, lessons, primary sources, and digital newspapers), collaborative technologies (wikis, blogs, community journalism, and text messaging), and proper assessment to generate powerful learning that would otherwise be impossible to foster.

Go to www.WhenHistoryHappens.org for materials that effectively compare the presidential elections of 1908 and 2008. The site features the use of primary sources (The Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection and the Library of Congress and the American Memory project.) You will need to register to see much of the material, but it is free to the public.

This website will capture those historic moments when we will have teachers inside the Pepsi Center - Sending out information live as it happens:

*Text messages or emails from educators
* Essential Questions
* Discussion Topics
* Description of events taking place in real time
* Educators can submit questions / comments to these teachers

The participating teachers include:

Stuart Chandler
Curriculum Content Specialist in Social Studies, Grads 3-6
Jefferson County Schools

Dorian DeLong
Social Studies Teacher
Thornton High School
Adams 12 District

Chris Elnicki
Cherry Creek Schools
District Social Studies Coordinator k-12
Colorado Council for the Social Studies President

Barbara Figg
Social Studies Teacher
Mullen High School

Carla Frenzel
Social Studies Project Coordinator
Denver Public Schools

Michelle Pearson
Middle School Teacher
Hulstrom Options Schools
Adams 12 School District

Classroom teachers, media specialists and building administrators wishing to order free access to these materials can order online at www.PostNewsEducation.com or phone the contacts above.