A train trip through Pennsylvania is an education in the history and current activities and industries of the state. One can observe the old railroad depots, landscapes, railroad work crews, strip mines, and Amish communities. (KC)

Fourth-grade students, wishing to expand upon what they learned about William Penn in their textbooks, sent in questions to the director of social studies in the Reading (Pennsylvania) schools. The director referred the students to sources (some primary) that would answer their questions. (KC)

The use of PQ4R, a reading-study skills technique, significantly contributes to a higher level of achievement for sixth-grade social studies students. Research was based on 15 students who were taught to use PQ4R in relation to textbook content compared with a control group of 15 students. (KC)

Teaching values clarification in the elementary classroom provides students with a method to sort out alternate courses of action and arrive at the decisions they feel are right for them. Values clarification consists of choosing, prizing the choice, and acting on the choice. (Author/KC)

A review of research on prominent rural educational issues and a survey of the views of rural social studies teachers in Pennsylvania indicate that rural areas are as affected as urban areas by national conditions and policy. Teachers in rural areas have little optimism that conditions will improve. (KC)

An elementary-level U.S. history unit which compares colonial and modern America is described. Topics for comparison include communications and transportation, family relationships, leisure activity, and school life and activities. (KC)

A reading enrichment component of a secondary school social studies curriculum involves students in reading historical novels, biographies, and short stories which represent good literature and which portray other times, places, and peoples. Objectives are to reinforce social studies content and to improve reading skills. A bibliography is…

Methods for studying the coverage of the same current news story in several newspapers are outlined. Secondary school students critically examine news reporting, detect false or propagandistic reports, and learn to weigh and judge evidence. An example using the Three Mile Island nuclear accident is provided. (KC)

This article describes an interactive computer program which involves upper elementary grade level students in historical research, map reading, and critical thinking. Called "Map Chase," the program is written in BASIC and is available from the author. (JDH)

This article provides directions for teaching intermediate grade level children about the history which can be learned by studying old cemeteries. A sample handout for student data collection is included. (JDH)

Focusing on the women of colonial Virginia, this learning activity package introduces students to the social history of that period. The unit is designed to be implemented in either a one or three-week format and makes use of audio tapes and slides gathered at the 1985 Stratford-Monticello Seminar held at the University of Virginia. (JDH)

Using diary excerpts from a teacher's trip to Japan in the summer of 1985, this article provides four lesson plans for involving elementary through high school students in the study of cultural values, critical thinking skills, leadership, and international understanding. (JDH)

This article describes the activities of a secondary social studies teacher as she involved her class--and eventually the entire school--in activities to support the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The students raised over $1,000 by producing an ethnic foods cookbook, holding a raffle, and selling buttons. (JDH)

This article reports the results of a 1985 survey (n=204) of Indiana teachers' environmental knowledge and attitudes. Twenty-six of the respondents were social studies teachers. Results showed that the social studies teachers were only marginally literate regarding their physical environment and related energy/environmental problems. Included are…

Provides concise reviews and ordering information for five ERIC documents giving practical information for classroom teachers. Topics are: (1) a review of social studies research, (2) research on concept teaching, (3) a study of preservice elementary teachers' knowledge of social studies content, (4) methods of reducing prejudice in the classroom,…