Discusses the continuing contribution of "Anthronotes," a Smithsonian publication supporting efforts to teach pre-collegiate anthropology. Anthronotes works to keep teachers informed about recent findings in anthropology, help teachers use community and instructional materials in their courses, and create a support network for teachers interested…

Contains practical strategies to help teachers and students confront cultural differences. The strategies can serve as the basis for lessons on cultural diversity adaptable to almost any instructional setting. Includes some specific learning activities and background material on how personal space is utilized and defined. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the evolution of archaeology as a discipline, citing its special strengths and the approaches used to study past cultures. Gives special attention to the problems of preservation and to understanding the value of the physical remains of the past. (MJP)

Considers the role anthropology can play in addressing multicultural issues in education. Maintains that through the study of various cultures students can build respect and value for diversity, understand that human behavior is influenced by culture, and create an understanding of the similarity of human experiences and concerns. (MJP)

Notes the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Spanish-American War and recommends an interdisciplinary study of that conflict. Discusses various aspects of the war (yellow journalism, imperialism, military campaigns) that could be integrated into the study of history, government, and literature. Includes a list of comparison topics and learning…

Provides an annotated bibliography of trade books that can be used in studying the Spanish-American war. Although aimed at adolescents, the selections include books for students with limited reading skills. Covers fiction and nonfiction including writings on the war from Stephen Crane and Mark Twain. (MJP)

Identifies and criticizes eight myths of curriculum integration. Points out the high, real, and certain costs of curriculum integration relative to the low, vague, and difficult-to-measure benefits. Questions the ability of curriculum integration to improve achievement, facilitate accurate accountability, and generate appropriate curriculum…

Questions the multiculturalists' vision that an ethnic group's self-esteem and subsequent academic achievement can improve through the study of its culture. Cites the paucity of studies supporting the effectiveness of interventions to improve inter-ethnic group attitudes. Maintains that some multiculturalists are more interested in superficial…

Builds a case for a careful reexamination of what it means to teach students to think critically. Briefly summarizes three noteworthy studies of higher-order thinking programs and discusses some of their fallacious assumptions. Proposes a more realistic and attainable approach to higher order thinking titled "reflective judgment." (MJP)

Argues that the national standards movement is predicated on the notion that teachers are stupid. Criticizes the standards as being unworkable, often irrelevant, and emphasizing low-level data and memorization. Claims the standards are doomed to fail because they attempt to "teacher proof" the "right" information.(MJP)

Summarizes a wealth of recent information concerning the effects of electronic mass media on the socialization of young people. Argues that significant changes have occurred in both the pervasiveness of the effects of mass media and the nature of the relationship between that and other socializing factors.(MJP)

Explores the transnational character of social studies in Australia from 1930 to 1970 and the far-reaching nature of ideas and decisions made during this time. Specifically examines a historical case study of the adoption of social studies in Queensland from 1950 to 1970. Discusses the influence of U.S. based pedagogy. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students about the process of polderization (the reclamation of low tracts of land from a body of water). Illustrates how a country can solve a problem by modifying its environment. Includes background information and worksheets on the application of this process in the Netherlands. (MJP)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 10 Web sites concerning ancient Egypt that have materials appropriate for social studies classes. Includes virtual tours of Egypt and specific temples, explorations of the pyramids, archaeological and geographic information, and information on the Egyptian "Book of the Dead." (MJP)

Develops a rationale for integrating technology with the social studies. Uses five principles of powerful teaching and learning in social studies (social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active) as a framework to review the research literature related to social studies and technology. (CMK)