Introducing this issue of lesson plans, the author states that teaching about the U.S. Constitution is a great challenge because students with varied reading levels and intellectual maturity must develop an understanding and appreciation of the complex philosophical and legal principles that underlie the whole of U.S. society. Recommends use of…

Discusses the U.S. Constitution's endurance throughout the years and states that it must be taught so that all citizens will know the value of their participation in a democratic society. Advocates a "Celebration of the Constitution," teaching it with the respect and vigor it deserves on its 200th birthday. (GEA)

Presents a lesson designed to teach students about the period of Salutary Neglect (100 years before the French and Indian Wars) and its effects on later historical events. Provides an advance organizer which puts students in a situation of salutary neglect and includes student and teacher resources on the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the…

Elaborates on the importance of including foreign language studies and cultural awareness objectives in social studies curriculum. Suggests students aware of national and international dimensions of culture will be likely to play a constructive role in promoting a humane and rational world social order. Journal available from The Social Studies…

Identifies four principal conditions which might aggravate a crisis in instructional materials and programs--declining enrollment, inflationary fixed costs, increased teacher salaries and fringe benefits, and the back to basics movement. Suggests criteria to help teachers select textbooks, including seadability, appropriateness, and flexibility.…

Identifies methods which some schools and teachers are finding helpful in aiding students to become more effective readers. Successful approaches include study of morphemes, graphic presentations of new and key vocabulary, use of multi-level reading guides, and evaluation of reading achievement in particular content areas. Journal available from…

In spite of considerable talk about expanding or narrowing social studies goals and approaches regarding citizenship education, things are much the same in the social studies classroom. Suggests that a core goal of citizenship education in a democratic society helps students understand and recognize choices. Journal available from The Social…

Describes a content analysis of 33 college-level American history textbooks studying the presentation of women. Findings showed 96% of the content and 70% of the illustrations devoted to men's contributions. Recommends women historians and textbook writers coordinate in textbook writing. (CK)

Provides excerpts from five primary sources concerning the lives of women in California from 1850 to 1942. Notes sources and includes discussion questions, as well as an oral history interview. (CK)

Describes a project funded by the Women's Educational Equity Act designed to expand students' male or female self-concept, teach decision-making skills, and increase achievement. Presents two lessons from the project. (CK)

Presents a sample lesson from a junior high multi-ethnic women's studies unit and sample activities from a high school women's studies course. Also briefly describes the unit and course as a whole. (CK)

Presents a lesson designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore their attitudes about career roles and to compare their perceptions with data on actual employment trends. Includes a comparison with women's roles in other cultures. (Author/CK)

Describes the role of women in American films and notes 14 random examples of films from the 1930s through the 1950s which featured women characters of great substance and capability. (Author/CK)

Presents a checklist of 13 questions to use in ascertaining the amount of sex bias in television programs and commercials. Briefly suggests a class activity using these and other tabulations. (CK)

Explores the problems facing women in Third World and developing countries as progress takes place. Presents a view of the economic development and its differential impact on women and men. (Author/CK)