In order to understand the complex workings of the three branches of American government, young citizens need early exposure in the elementary years to hands-on lessons that include real life examples and opportunities for students to apply what they have learned. To that end, the authors designed a five-day, inquiry-based unit for fourth grade…

Can reading a book about a boy and a hen in Ghana make a difference to fifth graders in their Michigan community? Indeed, it can, and in myriad ways. At a suburban elementary school in Michigan, the authors introduced fifth graders to economic concepts in a project-based learning (PBL) unit. They began by reading aloud and discussing the picture…

Children are active watchers of the world as they learn to be a part of their community. Field trips are a key component in addressing the 10 themes of the social studies standards through experiential learning. The authors recognize that in today's tough economic times, field trips that require additional funding may not be possible for all…

A real-life experience is a "moving force" that can be part of the elementary social studies curriculum. This article discusses an experiential learning about India and describes how the author integrates the arts and service learning in his third grade classroom. It also describes class activities that enhance social studies curriculum and engage…

The author's school is located in Caldwell, New Jersey, which has the honor of being the birthplace of President Grover Cleveland. She wanted her students to connect that legacy to their study of the presidency. She knew that first graders are kinesthetic learners who love stories. She decided to combine excellent children's literature with…

In this article, the author discusses how he began a series of lessons on the French and Indian War era. He incorporates physical activity, paintings, artifacts, diaries and discussions into the lessons, so that students in fourth grade through middle school can get a real feel for what the colonial frontier was like. He emphasizes that using…

In this article, the author describes some of the teaching methods she uses to teach how different American Indian groups lived in different regions of the North American continent. Her lessons include a number of projects: (1) Practicing symbolic writing; (2) Creating a personal timeline; (3) Studying winter counts and creating a personalized…

Describes a project for first-grade students at the Friends' Central School (Philadelphia, PA) founded by the Quakers in 1845, in which students learned about the experience of traveling westward during 1845. Explains that the project also focused on Quaker history; the school; and that the centerpiece of the project was a covered wagon. (CMK)

Describes how Red Bridge Elementary (Kansas City, Missouri) participated in the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle--Make a Difference in Our Community" campaign that coincided with the 1998 Make a Difference Day Campaign. Discusses the project, including the planning, publicity, donation collection, donation distribution, and campaign results. (CMK)

Discusses the student government at La Mesa Middle School (California) that was modeled after the three-branch U.S. government as a means for increasing students' civic understanding. Describes the structure of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, the different activities of the student government, and the reasons for the hiatus.…

Presents an activity in which students construct models to explain glacial action. Describes the models, which recreate specific glacial processes, and discusses 11 glacial actions. Students examine the economic implications of glaciation and use maps to identify the locations and effects of glaciers. (CMK)

Discusses how technology-enhanced service-learning can help teachers address national standards. Describes a three-step process (preparing students for service- learning, reflecting on the experience, and taking action through communication) to strengthen service-learning. Uses the Internet to enhance environmental community projects. Includes a…

States that strategic out-of-school learning opportunities (home assignments) can enrich social studies learning by providing for life applications of what is taught in school. Describes how to create a curricular unit, the purposes and functions of home assignments, and the parental involvement initiated because of these assignments. (CMK)

Believes structured playtime that occurs in a well-designed play center can provide rich opportunities for young children to construct knowledge related to both social studies and literacy. Expounds how elementary teachers can create an integrated play center by collaborating with their students on the design, implementation, and response to the…

Describes the Tea House Project that was an authentic hands-on activity introducing students to an important facet of Japanese culture; students built the tea house as a temporary structure in the tradition of the huts of Japan's wandering monks. Provides addresses to get materials for building a Japanese tea house. (CMK)