Lists a selection of books about the Pacific Rim area for social studies teachers who wish to add to their knowledge of the area. Includes selections on Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Describes and gives a brief critique of each book. (DK)

Suggests procedures for using foreign money as a tool for teaching about other cultures. Explains that this group activity allows students to observe writing systems, illustrations, and designs to hypothesize on the perceived importance of the items. Includes a sample handout and teacher's key showing a Korean banknote. (DK)

Discusses the use of primary resources in the teaching of middle school social studies. Describes a lesson in which students were given a copy of the Declaration of Independence, written in everyday language, and were asked to discuss and evaluate it. Suggests another activity based on Thomas Jefferson's writings. (SG)

Provides criteria to apply when considering the development or purchase of programs or instructional materials for character education. Establishes the importance of including character education in professional development, both at the inservice and preservice levels. Includes a list of six teaching principles for effective character educators.…

The Stock Market Game is a computerized simulation that involves high school students in trading eligible New York Stock Exchange stocks in an effort to make capital gains. Time required is ten weeks. The game is described; economic concepts that can be taught using the game are listed. (RM)

Cites a number of resources available to teachers to use in teaching about Asian Pacific Rim cultures. Includes addresses, titles, and general information about materials available from the listed sources. Describes some multicultural resources that have been included because of their treatment of Asian Pacific Rim cultures. (DK)

There are 14 centers for economic education in the state of California. Films, videocassettes, and curriculum guides developed by the centers for use by economics teachers are described. The addresses of the centers are provided. (RM)

Proposes using children's historical fiction in social studies instruction. Argues that such literature is helpful because (1) children begin to learn about social phenomena through narrative; (2) historical fiction encourages students to invest emotion, take sides, and ask questions; and (3) historical fiction can counter special interest groups'…

Schools must help students develop the ability to evaluate and make reasoned choices about personal and society-wide economic issues. One strategy that research has shown can help schools teach economic literacy is called DEEP, an acronym for the Developmental Economic Education Program. Steps for implementing DEEP are described. (RM)

Recommends the use of song lyrics in secondary school U.S. history, government, and economics courses. Contends that using music meets the criterion of cultural literacy in the California History Social Science Framework. (CFR)

Provides a resource list of 112 books and classroom teaching materials to promote the inclusion of women from all walks of life into the K-12 social studies curriculum and to meet the goals of the new California History/Social Science Framework. (DB)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 23 computer software programs selected for their applicability to the fifth-grade curriculum outlined in California History Social Science Framework. Categorizes the recommended software programs by eight chronological units in the course. Includes the current price for each program and a list of sources for…

Argues that current social studies textbooks lack coherent formats, decipherable vocabulary, clearly written paragraphs, and presume background information which students lack. Presents a lesson which combines information from research in reading and cooperative learning techniques in an attempt to encourage discussion of information and eventual…

Describes a teacher-developed simulation designed to teach cultural geography to students in the middle grades. Contends that this interdisciplinary activity can be adapted to fit teacher or curriculum needs. Includes student instructions and descriptions of six pilgrimages. (CFR)

Recommends the use of cemeteries as the focus of student research in secondary social studies. Presents methods for initiating such a project and guidance for appropriate student behavior. Includes a list of suggested activities for cemetery studies. (CFR)