This resource has been developed for pre-K-20 educators in order to help students use primary sources to go beyond simple acquisition of content knowledge and rote memorization. The procedures and approaches outlined in this book are designed to help students use primary sources in discipline- and inquiry-based ways to develop and enhance cultural…

The groundbreaking book featuring an inquiry-based framework for enhancing social studies state standards and linking social studies education to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies. The book includes the entire C3 document, "College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social…

This practical resource shows teachers how to enact robust forms of civic education in today's schools. Both instructive and thought-provoking, it will inspire teachers to craft curricula addressing a wide range of genuine civic problems such as those related to racial discrimination, environmental damage, and community health. Dividing civic…

This article provides an example of a social studies lesson from Turkish educational context in order to facilitate comparison with examples of social studies lessons from other parts of the world. This lesson was recorded in a 7th grade class at a middle school in one of the metropolitan neighborhoods in Istanbul. According to the current…

This classroom guide instructs secondary school students about the registration process, the voting process, and the importance of the American electoral system. The goal is to encourage students to participate in the electoral process. Although the guide focuses most heavily on the specifics of voter education in Rhode Island, it is also…

Provides a brief rationale for teaching about torts and describes 5 activities designed to help teach them. The activities help students (1) define what torts are and identify different types of acts which may result in a tort, (2) differentiate crimes from intentional torts and unintentional torts, and (3) explore defenses commonly used in tort…

These lessons are based on U.S. Census 2000 results, focusing on changes in the United States during the 1990s. Students construct choropleth (thematic) maps, analyze information from tables and maps, discuss the impact of the Census 2000 apportionment counts on their state and the United States, and calculate population totals. Lessons include…

Suggests that teachers of middle and secondary students use the legal and ethical questions that have evolved around commercial advertising as a springboard to introduce students to the importance of ethical decision making in general. Discusses law versus ethics; why ethics is practically important; and ethical truthfulness. (SR)

A game to help secondary civics students understand how a Congressional bill becomes law is presented. The game board is pictured; teachers have to run off copies on the photocopier and then add dice and some colored pieces of paper for students to use as markers. (RM)

Reviews how classroom teachers can use Congressional Satellite Public Announcement Network (C-SPAN) to stimulate and instruct students in social studies and American Government classes. Outlines future plans for classroom outreach which include a guidebook, training tapes, lesson plans, and teacher seminars. Includes an address for further…

This unit is designed to teach students about how a bill becomes law and how interest groups participate in and impact this process. LegiQuest teaches students about the roles of Congress, the President, and the courts in the legislative process. It can be used at the beginning of the course to introduce the functions and branches of government.…

This teacher's guide accompanies a 26-minute video by the same name. Intended for grades 3-8, the teacher's guide provides activities to support further exploration of cultural diversity, offers cooperative learning projects, and supplies reproducible masters to use with the interactive segment of the video program. Suggestions are made for five…

Trade has been an important factor in United States from the 17th century to the present day. The United States was born out of a trade dispute with Great Britain. From the moment the founders first set pen to paper, trade has helped spur U.S. economic growth. This booklet covers trade topics such as policy, perspectives, difference in nations…

This guide presents seven units of study for secondary level social studies classes learning about New York City. The curriculum is designed to encourage students' active participation in, rather than passive observation of, their urban environment. Therefore, the various activities presented require students to investigate their own community's…

Offers a collection of seven lesson plans and 33 activity ideas for the celebration of the Constitutional bicentennial. The lesson plans and activities span grades K through 12. (JDH)