Graphic organizers offer visual models that equip teachers and students with tools, concepts, and language to organize, understand, and apply information. Many teachers, concerned that social studies tends to overwhelm students, feel social studies is viewed as a complex and confusing subject unrelated to the contemporary world. Graphic organizers…

Cites a study conducted by the Southern Governor's Association which reported that U.S. youth are multiculturally illiterate. Provides a conceptual approach to multicultural education that focuses on eight concepts which can be used in all curriculum areas. Outlines a sample lesson from the Charles County-University of Maryland program. (BSR)

Reviews a number of Internet sites containing information on every aspect of life in Modern India. The various sites provide information on such diverse topics as the Indian film industry, politics, the booming Indian computer industry, changing status of women, and financial and political issues. (MJP)

Maintains that the complimentary perspectives of social studies and science contribute a deeper understanding to the study of other cultures. Includes four lesson plans utilizing material culture, chemistry, astronomy, folktales, and literature to investigate the world of the Anasazi Indians. Each lesson plan includes a bibliography. (MJP)

Examines the pedagogic concept of cultural pluralism and outlines specific methods for implementing the concept in the social studies curriculum. Identifies and analyzes various forms of cultural biases, reviewing means for identifying such biases, and presenting remedies for eliminating them from the instructional setting. (LS)

Lists selected resources for issues centered education. Includes books about methods for issues centered education, reference and student materials for middle and high school students, and tradebooks for elementary classrooms. Lists criteria for the selection of materials that were included (presentation of alternative view, accuracy, and…

Asserts that immigration into the United States from the Caribbean region receives much less attention in the social studies curriculum than immigration from Asia and Latin America. Reviews the coverage of recent Caribbean immigration in elementary and secondary textbooks. Recommends several elementary and secondary instructional units of study.…

Describes a college level term paper project in which students conduct oral history research with people who have experienced a sociologically relevant aspect of ethnic history. Emphasizes that oral history complements traditional historical research but is not a substitute for it. Suggests resources to help students with the project and provides…

Describes a third-grade instructional unit that begins with a basic introduction to African geography and culture. Children's books, from sources as diverse as current politics and Masai folk tales, are used to illustrate key concepts and places. Includes a list of children's books used in the lessons. (MJP)

Critiques six current history textbooks concerning their representation of African history. Identifies strengths and weaknesses in the texts and establishes criteria of judgement. Includes the use of primary sources, consideration of African perspectives, and a balanced portrait of contemporary problems. (MJP)