Contends collective cooperative action in the public interest will be necessary to solve future social and environmental problems. Proposes that the social studies curriculum shift its value orientation from individualistic self-interest to a justice-based, global model. Advocates teaching citizenship that stresses self-restraint and investigates…

Study investigated the extent to which predominantly white teachers in predominantly African-American schools made consistent curricular and instructional decisions reflecting educational value orientations. The Values Orientation Inventory examined teachers' priorities for learning. Most teachers considered the social reconstruction value…

Discussed is the continual depletion of the world's natural resources and the plea of conservationists. An examination of the dialectic nature/nurture controversy is used to see whether this may account for the state of disharmony recorded between man and nature. (KR)

Presents a concise and interesting overview of U.S. attitudes towards nature, conservation, and environmental issues. Traces the constantly shifting relationship between these issues and social and commercial interests. Follows this relationship from the early colonists to the current environmental movement. (MJP)

A model for assessing the interactive sources of communication development in young children is proposed, focusing on the reciprocal behaviors of both adults and children. The model integrates theoretical and empirical findings and is designed for parallel diagnostic and treatment purposes in five areas: social play, turn taking, nonverbal…

Discusses the global trends associated with the increasing levels of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFS) in the earth's atmosphere. Presents several ecological effects associated with these increases, along with some of the possible social and economic implications for the quality of life. Argues for more…

Presents a lesson plan examining Rachel Carson's call to arms concerning the harmful consequences of pesticides. Students view a video documentary on Carson's work and read a synopsis of her book, "Silent Spring." Assessment is provided by various activities including writing assignments, creating posters, and editorial cartoons. (MJP)

Investigates the adaptive behavior of North American Indians to changes in their physical environment. Although contact with Europeans was often destructive due to infectious diseases, some tribes grew stronger through the incorporation of horses and farming. Discusses the many changes in tribal characteristics and migration patterns wrought by…

Presents a lesson plan that explores the importance of the environment for 19th-century frontier settlers and the conflict between ranchers and small farmers over appropriate land use. Students watch a video movie, "The Sea of Grass"; read selections from "O Pioneers!"; and write a compare/contrast essay. (MJP)

Examines ways in which ecological factors have influenced education among Russia's northern nationalities. Considers differences in socialization resulting from northerners' traditionalism and unique attachment to their environment. Makes preliminary conclusions about educational outcomes in the north, including formation of a national…