Explains that technology allows teachers access to instructional materials for teaching economic concepts in the elementary classroom. Describes "Virtual Economics: An Interactive Center for Economics Education" that is a multimedia resource CD-ROM consisting of a center for economic education and a resource library and provides four web sites…

Describes the "Teaching and Learning Website Seminar" held at Ball State University (Indiana) that encourages teachers to review state and national economics content standards and to use technology to augment economics lessons. Provides an example of an online lesson plan created at the seminar called "Why Do Some Beanie Babies Cost More than…

Provides a lesson that integrates economics, mathematics, history, and language arts through a common interest of all elementary students: candy. Explains that the students managed and shopped at three classroom candy stores while learning economics concepts, such as supply and demand and the relationship of price to buying decisions. (CMK)

Describes a theme cycle called "Building Bridges to China" developed for third grade students that focuses on the similarities between the lives of children and families in China and the United States. Explains that the theme cycle addresses the National Geography Standards and three of the National Council for the Social Studies standards. (CMK)

Discusses the reasons for introducing archaeology into the elementary classroom focusing on the cultures of North America. Offers wild maize, or corn, as one area of investigation into North American cultures providing books and Internet sites. Lists resources for archaeology education and lesson plans for exploring North American cultures though…

Considers the use of thematic maps in the primary grades as a means to exploring the five themes of geography. Discusses an experiment that evaluated the ability of first grade students in interpreting thematic maps and describes a lesson that introduces thematic maps to primary grade students. (CMK)

Provides an activity in which teachers can combine mental mapping with the five themes of geography (location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions) in order to help students develop an understanding of their world. Explains that the activity can be concluded by asking students to draw a mental map of the world. (CMK)

Explains that absolute location refers to an exact point on the earth's surface located using the arbitrary grid formed by intersecting lines of latitude and longitude. Presents an activity for elementary students where they learn to use the grid system using a hands-on method and grasp an understanding of absolute location. (CMK)

Explores folktales from China, Africa, and Russia suggesting ways to utilize them in the social studies classroom as a means to teaching children about other cultures. Warns that when using folktales it is important to explain that the folktales do not bear a one-to-one relationship with present-day societies. (CMK)

Expounds that student involvement in social studies competitions helps students develop a spirit of inquiry, enhance thinking and research skills, and even shape their world views. Considers the competition process addressing the teacher's role, student preparation, and students' reflection on their learning. Lists a variety of national social…

Discusses the benefits of using keypals as opposed to pen pals and how teachers and students can establish keypal relationships. Addresses online activities that complement keypals and maximize student learning. Offers a collection of Internet sites that can be used to find national and international keypals and assist in orchestrating educational…

Describes an activity that integrates art and social studies in which elementary students created a three-dimensional relief map of their home state of Michigan (United States) using salt dough. Explains that by creating three-dimensional relief maps students expand their spatial skills. Provides directions for making salt dough. (CMK)

Presents a brief meditation on the power of women, the power of words, and the power of faith to enact social change. Discusses the work of Harriet Beecher Stowe, using her 1873 work "Women in Sacred History," to provide examples of women who made a difference. (MJP)

Advocates adapting the structural and pedagogical principles of whole language learning to social studies instruction. Specifically recommends focusing on the meaning of citizenship instead of its component parts, allowing students to make choices, and connecting citizenship education to developmental growth. Briefly discusses approaches to avoid.…

Integrates facts, figures, and statistics from several international and Canadian sources on the current state of family life. Provides a quick overview of such issues as family and school violence, at-risk children, and substance abuse. Briefly discusses the influence of the entertainment industry. (MJP)