Presents a lesson plan that introduces the concept of diplomacy and provides students with opportunities to examine the ways in which United States interests are communicated to other governments. Outlines various diplomatic tools (summits, treaties, military action, sanctions) and asks students to identify and analyze relevant current events.…

Presents a working definition of the concept of conflict and considers this phenomena from a political science, psychological, and historical perspective. Discusses conflict in terms of its nature and origin, universality, dynamics, development, and resolution. Includes a student activity illustrating each of these components. (MJP)

Asserts that in order for simulations to work well they need to operate within the constraints of a pre-designed set of rules. The simulation needs to incorporate an articulation of these rules, the simulation activity, and a thorough debriefing. Includes a set of questions and activities designed to facilitate debriefing. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan designed to create an understanding of the concepts of interdependence and cross-cultural communication. Students are divided into groups. Each group is given an envelope containing materials insufficient to complete their task (providing food, clothing, and shelter for the populace). They must negotiate with the other…

Discusses some of the instructional approaches advocated by the California International Studies Project (CISP). CISP proposes integrating global perspectives throughout the entire curriculum. They recommend examining the interdependence between different countries, resources, social issues, and academic subjects. Includes a complete list of CISP…

Discusses the development of the "World Culture Model," a visual aid illustrating the interconnection and universality of various components of civilization (political, social, economic, historical). Includes a lesson plan using the World Culture Model to identify various aspects of culture found in different interactions and to illustrate how…

Profiles a number of working partnerships between schools and community organizations that involve service learning. The various projects include neighborhood mapping, study of local ecology, environmental testing, recording local ethnographies, and letter-writing campaigns. Includes a list of helpful hints for starting a school community…

Presents a lesson plan that uses the five themes of geography (location, movement, place, region, and human-environment interactions) to ascertain the physical and cultural geographic elements of a school site. The lesson involves small groups working cooperatively and can be adapted for any grade level. (MJP)

Outlines and discusses a series of activities using puppet theater to explore social community issues. Draws inspiration from the street theater of the 1960s that used puppetry and engaged the audience in lively conversations during productions. Includes instructions for building puppets and suggestions for plays and performance material. (MJP)

Provides a personal perspective on the co-teaching relationship between a special education teacher and a social studies teacher. Discusses beginning a co-teaching relationship, implementing a social studies lesson with two teachers working together, identifying benefits, overcoming barriers, and evaluating student progress. Lists five options…

Outlines six steps for creating meaningful student projects using experiential learning: (1) make learning relevant; (2) make knowledge useful and creative; (3) get the students involved; (4) limit dead-end projects; (5) have students apply what they are learning to life; and (6) maximize community involvement. Describes model projects. (MJP)

Draws a connection between the techniques of storytelling and the content knowledge of history. Notes the many fables, tall tales, and legends that have historical incidents as their inspiration. Outlines some specific functions and steps of a story and provides an exercise for students or teachers to develop their own stories. (MJP)

Describes a series of activities presented at the 1996 Annual Cultural Diversity Celebration. The activities are designed to provide teachers with ideas that focus on family values, traditions, and homes. These lessons teach children that values such as love, caring, justice, and respect for human dignity are universal. (MJP)

Describes how the process of integrating curriculum is taught in a social studies methods course for preservice teachers. Outlines a sequential procedure that makes integration manageable. Includes a sample outline for a unit of study on the California Gold Rush detailing goals, objectives, and specific activities for various subjects. (MJP)

Describes the annual Moot Court Competition held each year in Sacramento, California and supported by the Citizenship and Law-Related Education Center. The program gives high school students the opportunity to learn about the nation's justice system using a role-playing scenario of an appellate-level court argument. (MJP)