Describes two civics lessons for elementary school students that use the World Wide Web: (1) kindergarten and first-grade students research the White House as a means to understanding the office of the presidency; and (2) fourth and fifth graders examine viewpoints about public issues discussed by presidential candidates. (CMK)

States that a current challenge to the meaning of democracy is now being posed by the Internet and other forms of modern technology. Discusses the issue of teledemocracy, or cyberdemocracy and the issues that surface because of teledemocracy. Lists Web sites that teachers can use when discussing teledemocracy in the classroom. (CMK)

Provides information on the origins of the U.S. national capital. Focuses on the history of disenfranchisement in Washington, D.C., the struggle for equal voting rights, court cases on the issue, and how the disenfranchisement issue may be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes a timeline of events in the District of Columbia. (CMK)

Provides a taxonomy of subskills needed to interpret political cartoons. Focuses on two of the subskills (caricature and symbolism) in detail. Includes copies of political cartoons that all pertain to the electoral process, guidelines for selecting cartoons for classroom use, and a list of resources. (CMK)

Focuses on the rationale for campaign finance reform, preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption in the electoral process, and the need for balancing the constitutional rights protected by the First Amendment. Discusses the issues of disclosure, contribution limits, issue advocacy, and soft money. Includes teaching activities and…

Provides two teaching activities to help students analyze political debates from a curriculum for middle and high schools called "Presidential Debates: A Teacher's Guide". Designed by the Commission on Presidential Debates and Kids Voting USA, it includes : (1) "The Techniques of Persuasion"; and (2) "It's Your Turn to be a Political Reporter."…

Presents an interview with the Youth For Understanding (YFU) President Sally Grooms Cowal focusing on such issues as how Elian Gonzalez and his family came to stay at the YFU's Rosedale estate in Washington, D.C., how Elian spent his time there, and the effects of the Elian case on U.S.-Cuban relations. (CMK)

States that the content of history and social studies textbooks is inadequate and low quality. Focuses on the controversy over textbook content addressing the issues of an overemphasis on multiculturalism and the political use of history. Contends that it is imperative that U.S. citizens know the best and worst of their history. (CMK)

Introduces the lessons offered in this issue of "Middle Level Learning" that are based on the materials prepared for the New York State Great Irish Famine curriculum guide in honor of the 150th anniversary of the worst year (1847) of the Great Irish Famine. (CMK)

Provides historical information on the potato in Ireland focusing on how the potato arrived in Ireland and the advantages and disadvantages of the potato as a food crop. Discusses the Irish potato famine in Ireland, effects of the famine, and the government's laissez-faire response. Includes a list of questions. (CMK)

States that two primary sources of historical information about the Great Irish Famine are newspaper articles and diaries. Provides six newspaper accounts about the Irish Famine from 1845 to 1848 and journal entries by Elizabeth Smith (a landowner's wife in Ireland) describing the conditions in Ireland in 1847. Includes questions. (CMK)

Argues against the stereotype present in the United States that labels potatoes as a fattening food. Discusses why potatoes are really a nutritious food. Includes a list of questions, a recipe for making boxty pancakes, and ideas for other activities. (CMK)

Presents the story of Megan O'Rourke and her family from their life in Ireland, the experience of living through the Great Irish Famine, and their journey to New York City. States that this is a work of historical fiction. Includes a glossary of terms, questions, and activities. (CMK)

Provides a bibliography of literature for young adults and selected references on the Great Irish Famine. Presents hints to six riddles of Ireland and includes the answers to the riddles on page 15 of this issue. (CMK)

Discusses a research project on the Tuskegee Airmen conducted by at-risk students at the Central Alternative High School (Dubuque, Iowa). These students interacted and corresponded with World War II veterans and composed a book on these men and women. Includes information about the Tuskegee Airmen's response to a questionnaire. (CMK)