Describes a five-day instructional unit designed for seventh and eighth graders about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Points out that the individual rights in the First Amendment often conflict with the rights of the majority. Provides student questions and suggestions for resources and activities. (CFR)

Describes a week-long instructional unit on late-nineteenth-century immigration to United States. Uses simulated diaries as the core of the lesson. Includes a bibliography of print, photographic, and video resources. (CFR)

Argues that the National Commission for Social Studies 1989 report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century" is too conservative. Notes the trend-setting recommendation to integrate U.S. and world history, sequencing through grades 9-11 may be impractical. Points out the proposal for intensive study of local history at…

Discusses an exchange of students between two seventh grade social studies classes: one in New York City, the other in Elida, Ohio. Examines important benefits for students that such domestic exchanges offer. Outlines the elements of a successful exchange. Suggests that a nationwide clearinghouse is needed to implement a domestic exchange program.…

Describes a simulation exercise used in a seventh-grade class to teach about the conflict between Mexican Americans and European Americans living in Texas prior to the Mexican War. Reports on student response to the activity. Asserts that student understanding and empathy for the Mexican Americans is a result of the lesson. (CFR)

Asserts that the United Nations, though often restricted by Cold War events, has had a resurgence as the hope for a true global forum for the world's pressing issues. Maintains that the need to teach about peacekeeping and model conflict resolution skills is crucial in today's world. (CFR)

Profiles a videoconference that brought together two seventh-grade classes in Connecticut. Over several days, white, middle-class, rural students discussed topical issues with urban black students. Topics raised included diversity, politics, gun control and local issues. Includes students' responses to the program. (MJP)

Describes the participation of four middle school students at the World Youth Conference on Human Rights. Discusses interdisciplinary efforts at a private school to celebrate the founding of the United Nations. Outlines student volunteer activities for both local and international causes. (CFR)

Maintains that one challenge in teaching social sciences is finding ways to help students design, implement, and analyze their own social science research project. Describes a seventh-grade anthropology course in which students conducted research projects on gender issues. Includes an observations chart and two figures. (CFR)