Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…

Discusses the historical and ecological significance of Christopher Columbus' contacts with the Americas. Suggests that 1992's Columbian quincentennial can be an occasion for improving teaching about Columbus. Underscores teachers' responsibility to provide a multidimensional view of the explorer's times. Cites the need to balance teaching about…

Describes the content of the picture book, "Encounter," written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by David Shannon. States that it focuses on the arrival of Christopher Columbus to San Salvador (El Salvador) from a boy's perspective. Includes questions for use when discussing the messages and content of the book. (CMK)

Discusses the sparse coverage of religion in United States history textbooks. Presents four such textbooks' explanations of the stories of Christopher Columbus and the Massachusetts Bay Colonies. Underscores the relative absence of detail about the religious underpinnings of the two historical situations. Identifies other U.S. historical events…

In a program linking French, U.S., and Japanese secondary schools through telecommunications, Japanese students explained to their foreign peers, in French, the cultural conditions in their country at the time of Christopher Columbus and today. The real-time cultural contact and students' discovery of their communicative ability were program…

Presents learning activities concerning Christopher Columbus and his voyages. Includes lessons requiring students to (1) write a pledge of allegiance to the world; (2) examine the Americas before Columbus; (3) prepare a newscast on Columbus' arrival in the Americas; (4) imagine being a Native American encountering Columbus; and (5) explore what…

Discusses effects of disease on the Atlantic basin after Christopher Columbus established contact between the hemispheres. Emphasizes the decimation of the native populations of the Americas when exposed to illnesses common in Eurasia and Africa. Relates the epidemics to the development of the slave trade and the rise of the middle class in…

Presents a National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) position paper on Christopher Columbus' influence upon the Americas. Suggests that educators should help students comprehend the contemporary relevance of 1492. Examines such topics as the roles of Africa and Asia in the age of exploration and the realities of the pre-Columbian Americas.…

Discusses teaching about Christopher Columbus and the contact between the Americas and the Old World. Suggests that most history texts are correct in the information they include but leave much out. Describes a museum exhibit focusing on disease, corn, the potato, the horse, and sugar as agents of change resulting from the Columbian contact. (DK)

This annotated list of reference sources features materials about Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas. While the sources featured are to be found specifically in Kent State University (Ohio) Libraries, this guide may provide helpful suggestions to persons interested in materials on Columbus in general. The guide covers the following…

Provides lists of historical works dealing with the Columbian quincentenary. Includes publications about Christopher Columbus, the Mediterranean in the late fifteenth century, the spirit of exploration of the period, pre-Columbian America and its societies, and the impact of European contact with America. Urges a broad teaching approach to…

Besides endorsing a children's bill of rights, teachers at this year's annual National Education Association meeting urged a moratorium on most standardized testing, opposed a federally mandated national test, urged teacher study programs to include courses promoting multicultural education, agreed to a many-sided analysis of Christopher…

This annotated bibliography features materials concerning Christopher Columbus and the legacy of his expeditions to the New World. The following categories of materials are included: (1) adult books about Columbus; (2) articles about Columbus; (3) ERIC documents about Columbus; (4) children's books about Columbus; (5) children's magazines about…

Presents an evidenced account of Christopher Columbus Langdell, arguably the best-known and most influential figure in the history of U.S. legal education, from his birth in 1826 until his departure from law school in 1854. Attempts to explain the formation of his interest in education, as well as the origins of significant reforms in legal…

This year, 1992, marks the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Much discussion, debate, and celebration of the historical significance of the quincentenary will occur. This directory of events, contacts, and activities pertaining to the quincentenary seeks to foster these various endeavors. Among the subjects…