Discusses the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, a network of students, educators, industry representatives, and community and government leaders that work to combat energy ignorance. Describes NEED's philosophy of energy education. Explains that NEED includes activities simulating Senate hearings, television talk shows, and…

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 sixth grade teacher's experience in turning a classroom project into a book. Offers advice for teachers on becoming writers. Explores obstacles, benefits, and suggestions on writing, editing, and publishing work. Describes a class project that resulted in the cleanup of a toxic waste site and the publication of "The Kid's Guide to…

Describes the Partnership Story Project in which students from two countries participate in collaborative story writing projects. Suggests that the project increases intercultural understanding by aiding in recognition of subjective dimensions of culture. Includes a sample story from the project. (DK)

Suggests that students can learn to recognize media bias by studying media reports of current events or historical topics. Describes a study unit using media coverage of the second anniversary of the Palestinian uprising against Israel. Discusses lesson objectives, planning, defining bias teaching procedures, and criteria for determining bias. (DK)

Traces the legal history of the school flag movement and efforts of religious groups to have the mandatory salute abolished. Suggests that schools must educate students for true citizenship and what it means to live in a democracy. Argues that the flag should be a symbol of freedom rather than the object of empty pledges. (DK)

Reports results of a 1991 survey of high school students to determine whether student opinions about good citizenship had changed since a 1987 study. Reports that students perceived good citizenship as the ability to make wise decisions and be concerned for others. Concludes that students consider responsibility, ability to question, and moral…

Presents a basis of a history framework for program development in civics in Canadian schools. Identifies elements of government that are associated with civics and selects historical events through which to study these elements. Discusses the history of thought, history as a science, constitutional history, the government, leaders, and national…

Describes a U.S. teacher's observations of the first election in newly reunified Germany in 1990. Discusses the political parties, the public's attitude, political advertising, and student and citizen reaction. Reports concerns over the electoral gains of former communists and setbacks for the Green party. (DK)

Describes a classroom activity to demonstrate how popular music can perpetuate the stereotyping of women. Identifies materials needed, suggested songs, and questions to ask students. Suggests homework assignment dealing with contemporary songs. (DK)

Describes a simulation exercise designed to help students understand the objections of U.S. colonists to the Stamp Act and other taxes. Includes a sample handout, instructions for the teacher in carrying out the simulation, and questions to compare students' and colonists' about feelings being assessed fees unfairly. (DK)

Discusses racism, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and belated redress by the U.S. government. Traces the experiences of one typical family. Comments that bias against Asian Americans was common before the war. Concludes that recognition of this history of racism is necessary to combat present resentment of Asian…

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the interactions between Japan and the United States. Includes items on diplomatic and intercultural relations, historical trends, technology, and business competition. Offers information on using the database and obtaining materials. (DK)

Discusses distributive justice in teaching social studies. Argues that utilitarianism is an inadequate basis for distributive justice because it does not allow for the primacy of civil or natural rights. Suggests addressing such issues in class to encourage student consideration of fundamental principles and their application to contemporary…

Answers criticism directed at utilitarianism. Argues that the philosophy evaluates choices by identifying the factors that should be considered in weighing the morality of an act. Suggests that the distributive principle of impartiality means everyone's pleasure should count equally. (DK)