Teachers of German language and of American history and their students, can find sources for information on the impact of the "Germans" in every part of the country.

Exploring beyond bratwurst, beer, and Bavaria, you can learn about the 60 or more million (1990 US Census) of North Americans descended from these immigrants.

America gave her German immigrants a chance at a new start without the restrictions of class, formal education and finances.

In return, America received more diverse ways of conquering the many challenges of life; e.g. a variety of enterprises in new specialties from engineering to chemical industry and from architecture to art and music.

The relics of how Americans of German descent influenced all aspects of today's life are so plentiful that they can be hard to recognize, maybe that's why these influences are still largely awaiting exploration.

They include movements, such as gymnastics and natural preservation, several religious denominations, models of educational organization and much culture; for more, order the "Stories CDRom."

Documents are in libraries and archives, particularly in the Mid-west and on the internet; hints to the latter are here organized into four chapters under "Learning Resources.".

Examples of some German influences are at "New Perspectives."

The best part of making a topic come alive for students is linking to the roots by exploring a personal, local or regional connection.