Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database about Christopher Columbus. Includes items on Columbus' voyages, his contacts with the New World, ecological imperialism, and the explorer's experiences in Jamaica. Explains how to obtain ERIC documents. (SG)

Includes a preface and two articles: "Rhetoric in Action: Roger's Social Studies Classroom" and "Rhetorical Understandings for Social Studies Teachers." Details how one teacher applies rhetorical principles to teaching, so that student learning, enjoyment, and motivation increase. Focuses on the definitions and principles of rhetoric as they apply…

Proposes using children's historical fiction in social studies instruction. Argues that such literature is helpful because (1) children begin to learn about social phenomena through narrative; (2) historical fiction encourages students to invest emotion, take sides, and ask questions; and (3) historical fiction can counter special interest groups'…

Examines whether writing activities promote learning and thinking in elementary and secondary social studies students. Describes writing activities that teachers have used to draw on existing student knowledge, consolidate and review new information, and reformulate and extend knowledge. Concludes that writing activities benefit student learning…

Describes a variety of activities for improving students' social studies vocabulary. Groups the activities under the principles of LURE: (1) Linking the new word to a known word or words; (2) Using the new word in speaking and writing; (3) Revisiting new words immediately and often; and (4) Enjoying the fun and power of knowing new words. (SG)

Discusses the "Adopt a Country" project, in which high school social studies students each prepared a first person narrative about a developing nation. Reports that students examined conflicts in their chosen countries in a follow-up assignment. Argues that the project increased student understanding of the global village. (SG)

Argues that encouraging students to keep a social studies journal as an ongoing commentary on the subject improves understanding, critical thinking, and enjoyment. Suggests that journals can be used (1) as a prelude to a lesson; (2) to bring closure; (3) to extend learning; (4) to establish a teacher-student dialogue; and (5) as a summary. (SG)

Explains that students in introductory college history courses were assigned to keep journals and write short, informal pieces on reading assignments. Argues that students found themselves thinking about history in new ways. Includes portions of student writings. Concludes that students grew into active learners, who came to appreciate history as…

Suggests using contrasting accounts of historical events to transform the history classroom into a laboratory for discovering truth. Explains that students participate in a role-playing assignment about a journalist's experiences in Africa, analyze historical methodology problems, work together to improve their accounts, then examine what they…

Discusses "Mascots and Meanings," a research activity that helps give students a concrete concept of some of the elements of a region or place. Provides a list of professional and college sports mascots. Identifies strategies that call upon students to identify the reasons for the choice of the particular mascots. (SG)

Provides a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the subject of social studies as a discipline. Includes documents on proposals to improve social education and on return to traditional emphases in history and geography. Explains how to obtain copies of documents from the ERIC system. (SG)

Discusses the use of primary resources in the teaching of middle school social studies. Describes a lesson in which students were given a copy of the Declaration of Independence, written in everyday language, and were asked to discuss and evaluate it. Suggests another activity based on Thomas Jefferson's writings. (SG)

Discusses the Close Up Foundation's sponsorship of social studies students' trips to Washington, D.C. Describes one school's experience of planning and financing the trip, as well as its public forums and club for students to gain experience in politics and citizenship. Reports a study of Close Up participants, their political attitude…

Discusses the five fundamental themes of geography. Describes the relationship between them and traditional geographic concepts. Merges themes and concepts to include location (position on Earth's surface), place (physical and human characteristics), relationships within places (human and environment), movement (humans interacting with the earth),…

Discusses the Brotherhood program at Iles Elementary School in Lubbock, Texas. Emphasizes the program's promotion of world peace and multicultural awareness. Explains that each grade level's students conduct in-depth interdisciplinary research into a different culture. Reports that students examine such topics as the subject country's geographic…