Suggests a social studies unit on escaping geography. Examines escape from dangerous places including an airliner, hotel fire, or war zone or from a social situation such as a boring speech or party. Describes historic escapes such as the Underground Railroad and the Berlin Wall. Lists learning strategies such as awareness of space and cognitive…

Lists a sampling of free materials and their sources for use by social studies teachers. Includes videos, maps, pamphlets, booklets, games, posters, and travel brochures from Norway, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Korea among others. Provides source addresses, turnaround times, and descriptions of the materials. (DK)

Discusses the value of the Socratic method in classroom teaching. Defines the three primary components of the Socratic method as systematic questioning, inductive reasoning, and universal definitions. Suggests that such a teaching method can use thought content to change thought processes and encourage active participation and critical and…

Describes a project in which students created a wall-sized map of Vermont to celebrate the state bicentennial. Suggests that the minimum of instructions the students received and democratic discussion and voting made the project an experience in cooperative learning and communication. Explains that the project incorporated art, history, geography,…

Presents a page from a booklet developed as part of a curriculum development project. Discusses some ideas for analysis of graphics arts. Examines maps, cartoons, illustrations, and photography. Warns against accepting that which is represented as the whole truth. Describes the imagery and cultural influences to be analyzed in maps and cartoons in…

Discusses the contributions of Junior Achievement to the curriculum from kindergarten through high school. Describes economic programs for elementary schools, junior and middle schools, and high schools. Includes Project Business, Economics of Staying in School, K-6 Initiative, and Applied Economics. Gives brief descriptions of each Junior…

Discusses "How Does a Community Work," a Junior Achievement economic education program for second graders. Explains that the lessons teach children about how people live together and the job choices available in a community. Describes how the program fits into a social studies curriculum on neighborhoods and communities. (DK)

Discusses "Project Business," a middle school program designed by Junior Achievement. Explains that in the program a business consultant comes to the school one period a week to speak to students. Describes learning activities that include field trips, economic games, job interview demonstrations, and an essay contest. (DK)

Discusses "Applied Economics," a high school economics program designed by Junior Achievement. Suggests that economics education should help students explore the current community and world experience through microeconomics and macroeconomics. Describes the program's effect at one school, and the simulations used to help students experience the…

Presents a method of using the Consumer Price Index to give students an understanding of the meanings of price levels in different historical periods. Demonstrates how to figure the actual price of items in the 1920s and 1930s by converting prices to present value. Argues that consumer goods were not cheaper in the past. (DK)

Discusses "Project 2061," a reform initiative for science literacy. Explains that reform is needed in science education because developments in science and technology continually transform daily life. Suggests that taking an interdisciplinary approach to science will make the subject understandable to more people. Argues that curriculum…

Describes the development of a fifth-grade social studies program, Man: A Course of Study, or MACOS. Discusses how the program strengths and shortcomings, those of the educational reform movement of the 1960s, influence today's educational reform. Suggests that the role of scholars, the participation of teachers, and the use of media are valuable…

Presents a plan for teaching about geography and the environment by having students read a novel. Describes the story in "The Talking Earth," creating a proper setting in the classroom, and activities for before and after reading the book. Suggests learning activities based on national parks, and independent activities for the students. (DK)

Describes a method for integrating writing into history classes. Suggests keeping writing assignments short and simple, rather than assigning a long paper that will be a burden to the instructor during grading. Discusses journal writing, pretest writing exercises, and microthemes written on a single index card. (DK)

Presents study results of the effects of studying social studies in the lower grades on high school students' performance in government classes. Explains that the relationship between social studies and government was examined and the adequacy of social studies as preparation for studying government. Concludes that achievement in social studies…