This comprehensive social studies curriculum unit for fifth grade has three areas of concentration: (1) the history of the newspaper industry, including historical dates and figures and analysis of how the newspaper industry has influenced and shaped the history of the United States; (2) the functions and responsibilities of the departments and…

This lesson is based on travel in and study of 12 of Mexico's states and visiting Mexico's cities, schools, universities, and communities. Finding many parallels between Mexico and the Mariana Islands, the lesson focuses on providing a historical overview of both countries and on describing modern variations in social life, land area, politics,…

Although the middle school movement has been around for decades, it is still new in many places. The middle school concept has been adopted for several reasons: (1) to use as a tool for desegregation; (2) to cope with changing demographics and exploding enrollments; and (3) to meet state funding requirements. The revived middle school movement of…

Teaching music to the early adolescent is a challenging and sometimes difficult task. Characteristics of early adolescence are described, and reasons why some middle level music programs are not effective are discussed. Tips for tailoring instruction to this age group are presented. (RM)

A teacher describes implementation of curriculum compacting with a cluster of gifted children in her regular fourth grade classroom. Children who demonstrate that they have mastered a specific content area work together on independent work in that area and present reports to the class. (DB)

This book introduces and guides upper elementary and middle school teachers through the process of using major classroom projects to enable integration of the curriculum through social studies. The book describes the excitement of a classroom when the students are working on Washington, D.C. and Latin America projects. Not only do the students…

Initially designed for social studies students in grades 4-6 in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, the purpose of the unit is to help students see the relationships among all the workers and natural resources within the state. It is also intended to help students realize the ways the area in which they live is affected by the climate,…

Designed to provide teachers with a set of goals, activities, and supporting resource materials that will assist them in providing students with opportunities to acquire computer skills, knowledge, and understanding, this document presents major concepts and related assignments for a proposed computer curriculum. Topics covered include: the…

Contends that the use of commercial published curricula, particularly textbooks and teacher's guides, is widespread in U.S. church-sponsored programs of religious education. Reports on case studies of five church-school teachers on their curriculum development and lesson-planning procedures. (CFR)

This publication was developed to encourage United States educators to add a significant Canadian dimension to their social studies teaching. Though there is a growing teacher interest in Canada, teachers are often not adequately prepared. The 10 authors of the articles contained in this volume view Canada from a wide variety of perspectives; they…

Based on common curriculum goals outlined by the Oregon Department of Education, this curriculum map is designed to assist fifth grade teachers in evaluating and revising their current curriculum. Instructions describe how teachers can effectively use the material provided to gather information and tally and analyze results. The map consists of…

This curriculum unit, intended for students in grade 6, covers the Mayas, Mayan history, and ancient civilizations. The unit was developed using Roger Taylor's collaborative team model "Connecting the Curriculum: Using an Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Thematic Approach." The unit addresses multiple intelligences, brain research,…

This curriculum unit focuses on the contributions of the ancient Mayan people and how these contributions have been interwoven with contemporary society. The unit is divided into the following sections: (1) "Preface"; (2) "Mayan Civilization" (geography); (3) "Mayan Contributions" (written language); (4) "Mayan…

A qualitative study was undertaken to create lesson plans that integrate science and social studies with the hope that teachers will expand them and incorporate them into their curricula. An instructional package of lesson plans that teachers can use to integrate the science and social studies curriculum was devised. The "Mississippi State…

Suggests greater emphasis on middle school music education, both as part of general education and of the curriculum's exploratory component. Argues that music can add emotion to social studies and promote learning in all subject areas through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Calls for student opportunities to explore instruments and composition. (SG)