In this article, the author reviews the "Presidential Timeline" and 12 existing presidential library websites that will help teachers and students to focus on the presidency. The author found that some were much more "teacher-student friendly" than others. All of them had sections for educators, students, or researchers, but many include lesson…

Although largely left out of the No Child Left Behind legislation, social studies remains a frequently tested subject on state-level standardized exams. As of 2004, 23 states conducted standards-based social studies tests, 10 of which could be considered high stakes. Where social studies will fit into the national testing picture is uncertain, but…

Over the last decade, the relationship between boys, young men and sex and relationships education (SRE) is one that has been characterised by a history of problematising. One of the main difficulties lies with young men's engagement with the subject, and in this article I make a retrospective examination of recent classroom experience with young…

The purpose of this paper is to explore face-to-face discussions and electronic threaded discussions. Forty high school students engaged in both face-to-face and threaded discussions during a world history course. Their comments and interactions were analyzed, and they revealed that both types of discussion hold promise for helping students…

In 1976 Richard Gross surveyed state social studies specialists and local supervisors to determine the status of the social studies. To determine whether the generalizations from his study are still applicable today, a questionnaire was sent to Council of State Social Studies Specialists. Results of the two studies are compared. (RM)

Discusses a study of the role of social studies instruction in promoting sociopolitical mobilization among Nigerian youth. Examines the effects of gender, varied experience, and academic qualifications. Concludes than education is as effective as propaganda in influencing attitudes. (DK)

Describes a sustainable planet index (SPI) to gauge the survivability of the earth ecologically and economically. Compares the SPI to the consumer price index and general business cycle theory from which it draws constructs. Suggests that the SPI exhibits properties of a sine wave and is useable in mathematical formulations, explanation, and…

Discusses a cuneiform Babylonian tablet from about 500 B.C., the earliest extant world map. Explores bases for contemporary interpretation of the map. Observes that the map contains representations found in later maps. Suggests that modern views of the world are no less culturally laden than much earlier perspectives were. (SG)

Describes a study of the global orientations of 187 tenth grade students. Reports that, although students often described their communities and states in positive terms, they tended to associate social problems with the national and world spheres. Suggests that a geopolitical focus could broaden the dialogue among students, teachers, and…

Contends that student motivation is a major issue for all teachers but is of particular concern for middle school social studies teachers. Reports on an interview with 18 middle school teachers and 60 middle school students on the effectiveness of strategies designed to increase motivation. (CFR)

Reports on a study tour of China and argues that, although China has bright, highly motivated students, the country has serious problems. Discusses the impact of the Cultural Revolution and presents four case studies exemplifying issues in Chinese education. Includes two teaching activities based on the report. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 36 U.S. teachers and 114 teachers, administrators, and students in South Africa on their knowledge and opinions of each other's culture. Finds a low level of knowledge among U.S. teachers. Discovers that neither U.S. nor South African teachers include teaching about the South African elections in their curriculum. (CFR)

Maintains that, although slavery is a major topic in U.S. history, the geographical focus is primarily on the South. Discusses slavery and two slave revolts in colonial New York in the early 1700s. Includes descriptions of the slave revolts and two information tables. (CFR)

Contends that thousands of high schools subscribe to the daily "Channel One" newscast. Outlines a literature review and survey of 600 high school students about their attitudes toward "Channel One." Finds students generally have positive feelings about the news program but not about the commercials. (CFR)

Discusses the origins and development of social studies education from the Populist/Progressive era to the present. Contends that, because of the influence of politics on programs of study in schools, the social studies curriculum has been affected by the rise and fall of ideological and political trends. (CFR)