Part of the "How to Do It" series available from the National Council for the Social Studies, 3501 Newark Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20016, this booklet describes how to involve intermediate-grade through high school students in reconstructing biographies and discovering history by using local primary source documents. (JDH)

Describes techniques used by a sixth-grade teacher to introduce students studying Greek culture to the methods of inquiry used by social scientists. For example, playing the role of archaeologists, students gathered wastebaskets from all parts of the school. They sorted through the containers as they would historical evidence. (RM)

A middle school teacher describes how his class actually practiced democracy by writing a classroom constitution. Students made rules by which they were governed within the classroom. (RM)

Tactile learning activities generated positive evaluative attitudes in fifth-grade learners toward geography. These learners did better academically when their competence was measured by content tests. (RM)

The annotated bibliography of 141 books published in 1971 (1) are written primarily for children, (2) emphasize human relations, (3) present an original theme or fresh slant, (4) are highly readable, (5) are accurate in fact and interpretation, and (6) contain maps or illustrations, where appropriate. Reading level is indicated. (Author/OH)

Preteaching vocabulary terms to fifth-grade students was found to have a significant facilitative effect on their acquisition and retention of social studies content. An instructional sequence for teachers to follow in preteaching concept vocabulary is outlined. (RM)

Scrambled outlines of a reading assignment can be used to teach students in grades 4-8 historical analysis, organizational and conceptual skills, teamwork, and peer cooperation. Illustrated is an assignment on why Europe entered an age of exploration by the 15th century. (RM)

Describes a simulation exercise designed to help students understand the objections of U.S. colonists to the Stamp Act and other taxes. Includes a sample handout, instructions for the teacher in carrying out the simulation, and questions to compare students' and colonists' about feelings being assessed fees unfairly. (DK)

Provides an inquiry lesson on aging for the intermediate grades. The goals of the lesson are to provide accurate information about the elderly, to enable children to assess their perceptions of the aging process, and to expose children to an unbiased look at the attributes, behaviors, and characteristics of the elderly. (JDH)

"Using Geography to Teach Comparative Values: Japan and the United States" (H. Flater) uses baseball to introduce junior high students to basic differences in the way various cultures view similar events. "Defining Directionality: Early Learning Experiences that Teach Concepts in a Pragmatic and Engaging Format" (C. Grace ; M.…

Suggests using state and national seals as beginning points for middle school geography study. Notes that the emblems can serve as points of entry into the study of place. Highlights variation among in the amount of geographical information each emblem contains. Concludes that the use of emblems is a low-cost, high-interest teaching strategy. (SG)

Provided is an annotated listing of sound filmstrip programs and 16mm films for teaching social studies at the intermediate and secondary levels. Specific topics include money; interest rates; disarmament; and the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the US government. (RM)

Children's (ages 8-12) interactive social responses to computers were examined. Results showed that students had not considered the social implications of using another's data. When infringements of their rights to privacy took place, students demanded penalties. Students showed preference for group problem-solving strategies. (RM)

Examines "Decisions, Decisions-Revolutionary Wars: Choosing Sides," an Apple II software package that emphasizes student decision-making about the nature of revolutions. Targeted at grades 5-12, the product covers a broad range of issues. Concludes that "Decisions, Decisions" models an effective decision-making process and has…

Illustrates how teachers can use holidays to construct lessons that are academically substantial, interesting, and meaningful. Model lessons are organized around asking exploratory questions and the ensuing process scholars use to unravel an academic mystery. Designed for use in elementary or middle school during Christmas season. (KO)