This issue's "Middle Level Learning" section presents two articles. The first is "Harriet Tubman: Emancipate Yourself!" (by Steven S. Lapham and Peter Hanes). "Argo," which won the 2012 Oscar for best picture, was about a daring escape of six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. Now imagine…

The 2012 elections are the perfect opportunity to help students make sense of and visualize their role in the democratic society. In this article, the authors examine the benefits of building a class museum centered on the theme: "Government of the People, for the People, and by the People." They provide steps and examples to show how to build a…

Outlines a dozen alternative formats for oral book reports that can turn this often boring ritual into an engaging learning experience. These creative formats emphasize the inherently important concepts of the books and build in listener accountability through authentic assessment. The formats include creating comic books, mock trials, and…

Describes how chain songs, such as "Ninety-nine Bottles" and rounds, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" can be altered to teach social studies content. Examines the nature of each form of song and provides examples of how they can be used in the classroom. (GEA)

Suggests learning activities for elementary level social studies, using cassette tapes of radio programing from the 1930s and 1940s. Explains this teaches the period's history and culture while introducing students to the magic of radio. Lists sources for tapes and albums, books about radio's golden age, and names of radio libraries and…

Describes interactional drama as an instructional technique designed to make history more interesting and meaningful to children. Discusses several types of interactional scenarios. Provides two examples for teachers interested in implementing an interactional drama scene to the classroom. (RW)