Provides a reference guide on religious materials in the public school library. Argues that social studies teachers can integrate references on religion into their teaching while respecting the freedom of conscience of their students. Identifies documents, fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, and the appropriate section of the Dewey Decimal…

Describes two video discs for classroom use. Explains that the discs present collections of still images representing Western civilization and non-European world history. Suggests that the discs be used for individual student reports or in cooperative learning groups. Discusses hardware necessary for using the materials. (DK)

Discusses the use of computers in developing social studies skills. Lists social studies skills as those related to acquiring information, organizing and using information, and those related to interpersonal relationships and social participation. Includes addresses of vendors of computer resources recommended. Describes different software and how…

Suggests that using historical novels in a unified studies approach to social studies and reading instruction may enhance students' learning in both content areas. Describes a historical fiction project utilizing three novels pertaining to United States history. Concludes that the whole class instruction unified each class through participation in…

Discusses the present ideal of land ownership compared to the views of Jeffersonian democracy. Traces the concept of the American dream and Jeffersonian ideals through Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath." Offers suggestions for teaching about the Great Depression and the novel by demonstrating the conflict of Jeffersonian ideals and the realities of…

Addresses the importance of teaching students the research writing process. Suggests that identifying and selecting social concerns as subject matter will develop student interest while combining meaningful writing experiences with social studies lessons. Reviews an example of research based on social concerns from selection through writing. (DK)

Discusses the use of writing assignments for teaching social studies. Suggests that alternatives to the standard research paper may be more advantageous to students by providing increased opportunity for creativity. Describes oral history projects, diaries, letters, advertisements, monologues, brief investigations, and position papers as suitable…

Addresses the difficulties for upper elementary students in shifting from reading to learn to reading for content. Suggests that integrating reading instruction into social studies lessons will help students improve in confidence and responsibility for learning. Includes detailed plans for two lessons and the strategies to be used. (DK)

Discusses the role of social technology in the elementary social studies curriculum. Describes three strategies designed to enhance the social and emotional well-being of students. Explains the Magic Circle, dilemma discussions, and role playing. Suggests that such social technology methods of teaching will teach students to behave responsibly…

Presents results of a project examining the effects of writing to learn in elementary social studies. Explains that the research explored journal writing activities as a means of improving social studies achievement, writing fluency, and communication. Concludes that journal writing does increase writing fluency and learning retention. (DK)

Presents sample writing assignments that enable students to practice social studies skills. Suggests that the use of creative writing assignments allows students to make a jump in time or place to the era and area being studied. Argues that using the imagination is a better approach to learning than memorizing facts. (DK)

Presents a lesson in which history, science, and mathematics combine to contribute to an understanding of one of the five fundamental themes of geography: location. Discusses the maps and navigational equipment available at the time of Christopher Columbus. Describes timekeeping, recording speed, and determining latitude and longitude during a…

Suggests mnemonic tricks to help elementary students learn social studies vocabulary. Argues that traditional vocabulary teaching methods using list, definition, and oral and written use provides only a momentary link with the vocabulary. Lists 20 words with definitions and strategies for remembering both words and definitions. (DK)

Presents a lesson plan on the slave-based rice plantation economy in South Carolina from the late eighteenth century until the Civil War. Includes objectives, teaching activities, maps, handouts of student readings, photographs, and plans for visiting the sites. Discusses plantation life and the culture of the rice economy. (DK)

Discusses the economic situation in the non-Arab nations of Africa. Presents two opposing views of the efforts of the World Bank at adjusting the financial programs of governments of developing countries. Suggests that perhaps with cooperation the cycle of poverty and disease can be broken in Africa. (DK)