This article discusses how fictional works can give a purposeful context and an appropriate venue for developing essential social studies concepts in middle-school students. The author uses the example of a National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) notable book, "Jason's Gold" that blends history with story to become historical…

One technique particularly worthy of possible inclusion in the secondary social studies methods class is an assignment in which students interview practicing social studies teachers. In addition to obtaining more insight into actual teaching practice, methods students learn about interviewing as a social studies teaching method. A course is…

The College Board has issued standards for academic preparation in high schools for college-bound students. The standards identify skills areas that apply in all subject areas and desirable outcomes in six major discipline areas, including social studies. The significance and impact of the standards for social studies are discussed. (RM)

Objectives and content of an interdisciplinary social studies-art program for elementary children are discussed. A sample lesson and evaluation activities from a successfully implemented pilot program are provided. (RM)

The article examines due process of law and shows its relationship to the process of freedom. Explains how teachers can integrate these concepts into the social studies curriculum. (Author/DB)

Enumerates ways in which social studies classroom teachers can increase student interest in American history by incorporating studies of ethnic groups at various points in history into the curriculum. (DB)

Reports on the K-6 civic education curriculum being implemented in the public schools of Brighton, Colorado. The curriculum enhances logical thinking and decision making skills through application of psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg's theories of the stages of moral reasoning. (DB)

Briefly discusses the approaches and treatment given to George Washington in most K-12 classrooms. Argues that history is more than a rote memorization of facts, and describes several programs in Texas that have attempted a broader and more consistent approach. Discusses Washington's relevance for today's students. (MJP)

Defends the National History Standards against the criticism that they virtually eliminated George Washington from the history curriculum. Maintains that this criticism is politically motivated. Provides many examples from the Standards mandating and supporting the study of Washington and his contributions. (MJP)

Discusses some of the cultural and logistical challenges faced by service learning projects. Theses challenges include a predisposition toward individualism over collective action, lack of time and emphasis on traditional learning. Provides strategies and approaches for overcoming these challenges. Includes a sample questionnaire for parents and…

Reprints a series of "how-to" guidelines concerning service learning from the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CFRC). Includes a working definition of service learning, a five-step process for projects, and specific goals to be reached at each stage of the project. (MJP)

Criticizes the assumption that citizenship education is the defining mission of social studies. Cogently analyzes the defects of this argument, including a lack of related scholarship, inconsistent application from the schools, and little evidence of positive benefits. Proposes a curriculumwide integration of citizenship education. (MJP)

Asserts that all of the major principles of political democracy are embedded in the tenets of multicultural education. Multicultural education facilitates the translation of principles of democratic living into practice for a society populated by people from many different ethnic, racial, cultural, and social backgrounds. (MJP)

Reviews the origin, implementation, and principles of the Amherst Project, a teacher education workshop that was one of the leading examples of the "new social studies" in the 1960s. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the project and briefly notes similar programs still in existence. (MJP)

Contends that barriers to effective education can be overcome by using the community as a living laboratory for social studies learning. Discusses out-of-school learning opportunities that meet four criteria: (1) goal relevance; (2) appropriate level of difficulty; (3) feasibility; and (4) cost effectiveness. (CFR)