The author describes methods for using picture books to teach geography in middle school. Introducing students to geographic regions through narrative and visual text can provide background information about the area, stimulate student interest in the culture, and facilitate student comprehension of geographic concepts. The author provides…

Historical dramas, especially war dramas, on television are usually superficial; they provide a simplistic treatment of war. The challenge to teachers--i.e., how they can deal with romanticized history on television--is discussed. (RM)

Suggests adding excitement to social studies instruction by using trade books. Cites research associating the reading of historical fiction with increased historical understanding. Describes the benefits of trade books' narrative form. Argues that such books can change students into active learners, help them study a slice of history, and increase…

Identifies works of historical fiction from various periods that can help teach middle school students about family relationships. Suggests having students draw sociograms to help them visualize relationships among characters. Argues that such readings can spur student interest in the causes, effects, and consequences of the need for family love.…

Discusses the value of student-created artifact kits as a means of visualizing and synthesizing knowledge about another time. Explains steps to be followed in guiding students on the project. Includes a bibliography, list of sources, and suggested ingredients. Suggests that handling artifacts and primary source materials enables students to order…

Intermediate and junior high school students became very involved with this learning activity which involved detective work. Working in groups, students had to solve a riddle based on a sequence of clues. The answer to each set of clues was either a person, an event, or a place. (RM)

Provides classroom procedures for adapting the nineteenth-century-style song slide show to middle school history instruction. Suggests student production of song slide shows as individual or group projects. Argues that the activity can capture the drama of history and stimulate student curiosity about the past. (SG)

Suggestions to help social studies teachers use historical fiction and biography to teach critical reading to intermediate grade students are made. For example, teachers should help students to check various sources for the author's qualifications, purpose, and bias and assist students in analyzing language and writing style. (RM)

Describes an elementary school project in which children learned about the terms, issues, and concepts involved in U.S. economic system and the stock market. Emphasizes the importance of reinforcing delayed gratification to break the cycle of poverty for inner-city families. Discusses project goals, special activities, support, and instructional…

Described is how a Wyoming school district developed a program that offers fourth-graders, engaged in local community studies, first-hand experience in their heritage. An exposition that featured exhibits and stations depicting contemporary and historic social and economic practices was developed. (RM)

Describes teaching children about historical documents as a way of illustrating the reasons behind U.S. government. Explains that the course examines the U.S. Constitution, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and Bill of Rights. Argues that children have firm opinions about fairness and justice. Describes a project comparing U.S. government with that…

Asserts that teaching concept formation and generalization development are central to any social studies program. Presents a classroom activity designed to teach geographic concepts to middle school students. Includes four figures and instructional procedures to be used in the activity. (CFR)

Presents instructional strategies for teaching middle school students about time zones and why the earth experiences night and day. Provides instructions for helping students make and use sextants and sun dials. Describes class activities and student-teacher dialogue. (CFR)

Asserts that the status of civics, a formal course of instruction in middle/junior high schools, is alarming. Maintains that civic or citizenship education is the central purpose of social studies. Provides a context and suggested content for a civics course. (CFR)

Asserts that the study of geography promotes spatial skills and increases awareness of the significance of location and place. Maintains that novels are good resources for geographic instruction. Provides geographic content reviews and suggested instructional methods for using two novels, "Old Yeller" and "Prairie Songs." (CFR)