Believes that it is important to teach about controversial issues in social studies but contends that not all controversial issues are suitable for the classroom. Suggests three categories of selection criteria (curricular, student, and community considerations) in order to decide on what types of issues are appropriate for the classroom. (CMK)

Discusses inequitable learning opportunities of Canada Natives. Finds that rules and expectations of schools often create feelings of shame in Native learners that lead to withdrawal and failure. Asserts that when teachers become cultural brokers they can eliminate the inequalities and develop an environment conducive to learning. (CMK)

Explains that sentencing circles are a form of traditional Canada Native justice in which the entire community is involved to combat offenders. Provides a unit plan on sentencing circles for social studies in order to teach students about the need for sentencing circles in Native communities. Provides sample lesson plans and an example worksheet.…

Utilizes a letter by J. Dewey Soper as an example of how archival documents can be used in the social studies classroom and explains that in the letter Soper reported on his exploration of Baffin Land (Canada) to the acting director of the Geological Survey. Addresses possible activities and discussion questions. (CMK)

Characterizes the Internet as a resource that contains both good and bad information. Provides a variety of educational websites, such as the National Council for the Social Studies home page, with accompanying descriptions in order to demonstrate that there are good resources that social studies teachers can utilize in their classrooms. (CMK)

Addresses the movement called civic nationalism in Quebec Province (Canada) that allows all people regardless of ethnic heritage to participate fully in the secular and governmental life of Canada. Provides a puzzle that focuses on the people uniting against civic nationalism. Included the clues and word list. (CMK)

Advances a vigorous argument for teaching the basic principles of liberal democracy that transcend countries, cultures, and historical eras. Articulates a vision of citizenship education that uses historical examples of totalitarian abuses to emphasize issues of accountability and morality. Discusses ways to make civic education real and relevant.…

Provides personal perspectives, both from a teacher and her students, on issues of multiculturalism and diversity. Recounts a number of incidents that illustrate some of the trickier aspects of multicultural education ("How do you feel about arranged marriages?"). Concludes with a call for greater understanding and tolerance. (MJP)

Discusses the political developments in South Africa following the demise of apartheid and suggests ways to integrate this subject into the social studies curriculum. Examines the current obstacles and opportunities for the development of democracy in South Africa. Includes a series of teaching activities and related questions. (MJP)

Describes a classroom exercise designed to illustrate the economic aspects of common ownership, individual ownership, government regulation and to examine how these relate to conservation. The exercise involves the incremental distribution (via a turkey baster) of water between buckets marked "now" and "future." Different rules replicate different…

Recalls the development of a 1970s high school economics textbook and curriculum titled, "Economics in Society," and how it developed into an adult education curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes a thematic approach to economics focusing on concepts and institutions, industry organization, the national economy, and developing countries' economies.…

Provides an annotated bibliography and suggested teaching activities for units on the Great Depression and World War II. The materials support inquiry into the causes of the Great Depression and World War II and how these events transformed U.S. society. The annotated bibliography includes novels, memoirs, biographies, and political studies. (MJP)

Describes a middle school experiment where the student government was reorganized and structured along the model of the U.S. government. The government contains a senate, house of representatives, and a judiciary. Legislation, committees, and student appointments are handled in a manner paralleling the national government. (MJP)

Recounts the experiences of Kansas social studies educators in designing and implementing a workable assessment instrument that would meet state requirements. The design emphasized five characteristics (thematic orientation, skills emphasis, social studies perspectives, variety of resources, and community orientation) constructed around a…

Describes an undergraduate course that draws parallels between the immigrant and ethnic experience of the students with similar issues on a national scale. The students write papers exploring their ethnic heritage and, if possible, collect oral histories from other family members. This research complements the assigned readings. (MJP)