Delineates the federal judiciary system's creation and evolution. Describes original judicial legislation, illustrating the judicial pyramid: district courts at the base, followed by federal circuit courts, with the Supreme Court at the apex. Identifies first Supreme Court justices. Observes that John Marshall's 34 years as Chief Justice firmly…

Presents several activities for elementary social studies instruction about laws. Encourages linking the abstract concepts, "laws," to the more familiar, "rules." Focuses on justice and fairness. Lists references for additional ideas on incorporating law-related activities into social studies curricula. Includes list of objectives, stressing the…

Maintains that the social studies curriculum is appropriate for teaching thinking skills but that the subject is taught to enhance student performance on state-mandated tests. Traces historically the introduction of thinking skills into the curriculum. Examines the conflict over teaching thinking skills; namely the content versus process dispute.…

Maintains that good thinking skills do not just happen; but rather they must be taught and practiced. Provides a lesson on creative problem solving in which students identify a problem, find facts, develop ideas, and create solutions. Discusses the application of the lesson to other areas of the social studies curriculum. (RW)

Discusses the "Make a Difference Program" designed to respond to the changing interests of students and the changes in curriculum and methodology in the California schools. Outlines and elaborates on the 10 aspects of the program. Stresses the development of critical thinking skills and active student participation. (RW)

Discusses the assimilation of Vietnamese immigrants into U.S. life. Describes the role of the Vietnamese family and Vietnamese attitudes towards education. Stresses the role of the educator in fostering cultural diversity while preserving an ideology of freedom and acceptance in the classroom. (RW)

Provides eight lesson plans for grades five through eight designed to foster a global perspective and understanding of cultural and environmental diversity. Includes lesson objectives, suggested class activities, and teacher assessment suggestions. (RW)

Reports the results of a survey of Wisconsin secondary social studies teachers designed to answer the question: To what extent do teachers use simulations? Describes the study designed to replicate an earlier survey of Ohio teachers in 1979 by J.J. Blaga. Compares the results of the two surveys. Concludes simulation use has increased. (RW)

Provides annotated reference materials from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database designed to help middle and high school social studies teachers incorporate the five major themes of geography into their classrooms. Includes materials on the United Nations, lesson plans on place geography, as well as interdisciplinary themes…

Discusses the need for global education in the face of economic influences that result in pollution and the exploitation of developing nations. Cites the difficulties faced by less developed countries that try to compete in world trade. Urges educators to teach students to take morally responsible positions on global relations. (SG)

Observes that, although Canada enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world, children now make up its largest group of poor people. Reports that there are five million functionally illiterate Canadians, one-third of whom are high school graduates. Calls for a major overhaul of Canada's educational system. (SG)

Asserts that Canadian schools should be educating students in the historically developed subjects matters. Suggests that a back-to-basics approach to education fails to appreciate the traditional subject matters as great sagas of human discovery. Concludes that schools are largely anti-intellectual places that are not inquiry driven and do not…

Discusses the history of the Canadian Space Agency. Explains that Canada's space program grew out of the need to manage resources and communicate over large distances. Reports that the small Canadian space industry is growing rapidly. Describes Canadian cooperation in international space programs. Identifies space careers and examines the future…

Describes a space education program in rural Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Reports that gifted and talented students examined space exploration, built models, met with astronauts, and designed multimedia presentations. Explains that the students also hosted a one-day conference on space for students, teachers, and parents and later visited…

Suggests using remote sensing technology to help students make sense of the natural world. Explains that satellite information allows observation of environmental changes over time. Identifies possible student projects based on remotely sensed data. Recommends obtaining the assistance of experts and seeking funding through effective project…