The role of literacy in social studies education has been greatly elevated over the last decade. The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) models through the indicators of its C3 Framework how to strengthen K-12 students' disciplinary thinking, literacy, and argumentation skills in the four core social studies disciplines: civics,…

The authors explore how graphic novels can be used in the middle and high school social studies classroom to teach human rights. The article begins with a rationale on the benefits of using graphic novels. It next focuses on four graphic novels related to human rights issues: "Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds" (Speigelman…

Suggests teaching methods and materials for use by high school and college social studies teachers as they help students develop valuing skills. Entitled Valuing Confrontation With The Future (VCF), the materials promote consideration of provocative episodes such as electrical stimulation of the human brain and a congressional ban on large pets…

The purpose of this article is to use the vehicle of a controversial issue--abortion--as a means of illustrating the advantages of teaching such issues through a problem-solving method. Discussion ideas and resources are presented. (Author/JR)

Demonstrates a realistic situation in which supply and demand schedules are generated and the equilibrium price is determined. Illustrates the concept by using imaginary concert tickets in which 1/2 of the class supplies tickets and 1/2 of the class demands tickets. Specific graphs illustrate the supply-demand schedule. (BR)

This article describes how to involve students in creative follow-up activities for the six-episode public television series called "Newscast from the Past." Suggested are a class newspaper, mock interviews, time lines, and student-made newscasts complete with commercials. Includes ordering information for the teacher's guide to the…

Points out the degree of cultural difference between contemporary Islamic and American societies. Presents four lesson plans, appropriate for junior or senior high students, which foster greater understanding of Islamic cultural traditions. A role playing handout and brief bibliography are provided. (JDH)

In this activity intended to develop thinking and writing skills secondary students are given a worksheet dealing with either nuclear energy or the Civil War. On the worksheet the order of items is scrambled. Students must organize the information, decide what is important, and write an essay on the topic. (RM)

Teaching about a multinational corporation (MNC) is a powerful way to raise the global awareness of students. Background information on MNC's and teaching suggestions are provided. (RM)

In order to critically read adult information sources, students need to be able to identify external factors which influence the presentation of information. Activities to help students identify these factors are suggested. (RM)

Models of the United Nations (MUNs) as political simulation games are described by reviewing their scope, structure, and operating procedures. Benefits to student participants include a view of the current world state and empathy with leaders of other governments. Problems of MUN coordination and lack of literature are cited. (AV)

For social studies teachers, the challenge is to teach about war by going beyond causes and results and the major battles and highlights historians claim as important. Excerpts from literature and primary source materials and discussion questions are presented to help secondary students study the personal side of World War I. (RM)

Describes an activity approach (Independence and Elaboration Day, I & E Day) which is intended to help high school social studies students become independent readers and learners by reading social studies material other than textbooks. Suggested materials include newspapers, minutes of political and legislative meetings, and magazines. (DB)

Describes a problem-solving model developed by economists that incorporates the use of economics into the high school social studies curriculum. Model components include defining the issue, identifying objectives, looking for ways to achieve objectives, identifying pertinent economic concepts, analyzing alternatives, and evaluating which…

Describes a simulation game suitable for junior and senior high school students in history classes. The objective of the game, entitled "War or Peace," is to help students understand that similar events can be interpreted differently by different people. An exercise in writing history follows introduction of the game, explanation of rules, and…