Outlines procedure for group activity centered around an historical event. The group must perform mathematical problems in reaching a solution to a feudal community's moral dilemma. Copies of handouts are included. (KC)

Describes activity for elementary social studies methods instructors to teach preservice teachers the value of field trips. Students select and visit field trip locations and prepare presentations to the class. Evaluation forms for the presentation and a field trip resource sheet are included. (KC)

Describes a critical thinking activity for secondary school social studies students using a letter written in the nineteenth century. The letter contains references to unfamiliar people and events. Through research, students are able to trace the exact date of the letter and to identify the people and events. (KC)

Suggests sources to introduce public school teachers to legal concerns related to religious studies. Eighteen items are listed in four categories: legal issues related to religion and education; interaction of religion, state, and education in the United States; theory and practice of public education religious studies; and study of religion and…

Discusses integrating religious studies into the social studies curriculum. Topics include content revision and structure and selection of content. (KC)

Addresses instructional issues in the social studies in general and in religious education specifically. The issues involve the quality and type of teachers and behaviors/methods used in classrooms. Instructional problems include oversimplification in compare/constrast activities, overuse of guest speakers, teachers imposing personal views, and…

Describes current secondary school courses about religions which are incorporated into the social studies curriculum. Course titles include Religion in Human Culture, Religions of Man, Great Religions, Comparative Religions, History of Religions, and the Bible as Literature. (KC)

Stresses that studying about religion in the public schools is an appropriate endeavor according to the 1963 Schempp and Murray Supreme Court decision. The goal of religious educational programs should be the enhancement of understanding, not the promotion of religion itself. (Author/KC)

Suggests ways in which a firsthand knowledge about Japan can be brought into American secondary school classrooms through the study of various forms of modern literature. Each example of Japanese literature (short stories, novels, poetry, comics, etc.) is followed by questions for student discussion. (DB)

Introduces American students to the Japanese language through everyday expressions and through basic vocabulary on topics including days of the week, dates, and time. A few basic grammar and pronunciation rules are also presented. (DB)

Suggests ways in which art can be used to introduce students in high school level social studies classes to Japanese culture. Methods include showing students pictures of screens or buildings, asking students to write paragraphs about daily life, asking students to analyze woodblock prints, and directing students to read and try their hand at…

As examples of how a social studies unit on Japan can make us of various art forms, the article suggests ways in which teachers can incorporate information about sculpted figures, box covers, temple decoration, wooden figures, costumes, screens, jars, and water colours into the curriculum. (DB)

Presents a bibliography on Japan (and, specifically, on Japanese art and culture) which is intended to provide social studies teachers with information at two levels--background for self-development and reading that can be used by students in the classroom. (DB)

Explores various ways in which people use myths to communicate facts and influence values. Suggests various activities to help upper elementary and junior high school social studies students understand the role of myths and legends in geographic education. Activities include discussing perspectives on legendary lands, working with maps and globes…

Explains how elementary school social studies classroom teachers can use baseball cards as vehicles to teach children various skills and concepts from a variety of subject fields. Card-related activities include analyzing statistical data on the back of cards, finding cities where teams are located on maps and globes, and measuring distances…