Historical reenactments are a frequently utilized active learning strategy that encourages students to engage in historical thinking. They require students to critically read and synthesize information, consider multiple perspectives, and write a coherent narrative demonstrating an understanding of the time period, event, and the individuals…

Growing up in an era when protest at national political conventions is carefully contained in "free-speech zones" (often physically removed from the site of the official conventions), students today may have a difficult time conceptualizing the tumultuous scene that was the 1968 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Fueled by…

Describes an artifact box that fourth grade students filled for their teacher to take to students in Japan. The process consisted of committee formation, budget hearings, and shopping. The final product contained clothes, food, cassette recordings, toys, and school materials. (KC)

On January 18, 1803 President Thomas Jefferson asked Congress to fund an expedition to the source of the Missouri River. This expedition would become known as the Corps of Discovery, which would spend twenty-eight months exploring, studying, and documenting the wonders of the western frontier. Led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark,…

Three annotated alternatives are offered to replace the customary treatment of national holidays in the school curriculum. (KM)

Contends that anthropology should provide the focus for the elementary social studies curriculum. Delineates concepts and generalizations for such a curriculum and suggests activities to build anthropological understanding. (GG)

Describes the major Moslem edifice (the Ka'bah) in the holy city of Mecca and explains the importance of the Ka'bah in Muslim religious belief. Cultural and religious practices related to the Ka'bah are described. (Author/DB)

Cultural freedom involves the ability to recognize and participate imaginatively in the exploration of one's own environment for the sake of one's self and one's people and the ability to transcend that environment and speak to all people. Australian artists, writers, poets, music, and oral literature are discussed. (RM)

Presents an activity designed to assist students in examining and reflecting on their personal values. Argues that students need to know themselves to explore the values of others and to develop an open-minded perspective on the cultural values of others. (DB)

Describes the activities associated with lesson plan development in an elementary social studies methods class. Recommends developing lessons about "international day" as designated by the United Nations. Includes a listing of International Days and Weeks. (CFR)

Discusses the use of Quest, an internet activity that encourages higher-order thinking. Led by Dan Buettner and his team of "adventurers," students can tour with the Quest team as they explore different countries (AsiaQuest, MayaQuest, AfricaQuest, and GalapagosQuest). Provides examples of how three different teachers utilized Quest. (CMK)

Offers an innovative way to teach mid-nineteenth century North American Indian history by having students create their own Indian Ledger art. Purposes of the project are: to understand the role played by American Indians, to reveal American Indian stereotypes, and to identify relationships between cultures and environments. Background and…

Provides a series of guidelines, suggestions, and teaching activities designed to promote multicultural awareness during the December holiday season. The instructional activities, developed by a group of teachers and clergy, aim to educate students about holiday celebrations from many cultures. Includes lists of activities counterproductive to…

Examines the controversy over the representation of President Roosevelt in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC. The sculptures in the memorial do not show Roosevelt's cane, braces, or wheelchair. Disability advocates claim that this reinforces shameful stereotypes. Memorial supporters believe it should reflect the public…