Discusses problems with existing social studies curriculum, including the dichotomy between in-depth studies and coverage studies, lack of correlation with other fields of instruction, and uncertainty about the appropriate sequential development of concepts. A master plan for social studies curriculum, focusing on grades five through eight, is…

This collection of materials is designed to help educators teach about Latin American culture more effectively. The introduction offers a rationale for studying about Latin America. Six chapters cover: (1) Key Ideas; (2) Concept Papers; (3) Lesson Plans and Writing Skills Development; (4) Games and Student Activities; (5) Arts and Crafts; and (6)…

This is an age of ascendency of the Pacific Rim area, especially the Asian sector. Recent decades have seen unprecedented economic growth throughout this area. By examining Japan, the region's pre-eminent nation and harbinger of future developments, the larger topic of the Pacific Rim can be explored. It is particularly important to teach about…

This curriculum unit is the third part of a three-part curriculum. The focus of this unit is on the U.S.-Japan economic relationship. Increasingly, the world resembles numerous, linked sub-economies fitting into an overall global economy. The making of almost any product relies in some way on international trading. In an increasingly economically…

This sourcebook contains lessons and materials developed by the Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs). The ideas and activities in the sourcebook focus on the Japanese economy and are useful in social studies classrooms and courses including, economics, geography, and world cultures. Essays in the sourcebook are: (1)…

This bibliography is designed to identify quality educational materials about Canada for teachers, librarians, and administrators. Grade levels are indicated by broad categories, by particular suitability, and where provided, and price stated for each item. The materials are listed under the following categories: activity books, art, business…

These teacher-developed activities help the student to gain a greater awareness of the richness of Russian history and the Soviet past. New materials have been added from the original version and much has been updated. The volume is not a full curriculum but can be integrated into existing study of the world region. The book is divided into five…

This book provides an overview of Malaysia's history and culture. The book begins with a prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Early Trade and Civilization"; (3) "The…

This book provides an overview of Indonesia's history and culture. The book begins with prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction to the Lands and Peoples of Indonesia"; (2) "Early…

This book provides readings and student lessons about the Philippines. Lessons and activities follow a chronological sequence and provide a good resource for those interested in the Philippines. The materials begin with prehistoric times and continue to the presidency of Corazon Aquino. Each chapter provides background information along with a…

This unit developed for middle school students utilizes the countries of Romania and Bulgaria as the basis for a study of their music and drama. Middle school students will recognize the commonalities of world music, dance, and theater by developing skills and understanding of elements of each art. Folk music and dance from Romania and Bulgaria…

This partially annotated bibliography contains selected resource materials about Central Asia/Inner Asia for use with the secondary school social studies curriculum. Part 1 provides a list of eight organizations that specialize in the study of Central Asia, while Part 2 contains a collection of seven reference works. Part 3 offers six English…

In this four-part lesson, students examine the concept of geographic region by exploring the history of the United States Great Plains. In Part I, students gather information about the location and environment of the Great Plains in order to produce a map outlining the region in formal terms. In Part II, students examine how the region has been…

This book provides students with information about culture and trace important historical events that have brought this nation to its current position in the 20th century. Each chapter provides background information along with a glossary, student activities, and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "The…

This collection of essays, curriculum units, and study guides on Latin American art and musical traditions is designed to help interested teachers take a comprehensive approach to teaching these subjects. The introduction features the essay, "Media Resources Available on Latin American Culture: A Survey of Art, Architecture, and Music…