Argues that early African civilizations should be taught to ameliorate the problem of many African-American students first encountering related peoples in discussions of colonialism and slavery. Observes that the absence of materials for middle grade teachers reinforces this tendency. Promotes the authors' teaching packs on the ancient African…

Contends that regional studies, such as Asian studies, can engage students more actively than a traditional global approach to world history. Delineates the author's objectives in teaching a course in Asian studies. Outlines the subjects covered in the course's units on China, Japan, and Korea. (DSK)

Presents a complete outline of the critical thinking skills taught in grades 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Categories are clarifying issues and terms, judging and utilizing information, and drawing conclusions. (JDH)

The effective use of research assignments with student-centered resources involves three steps: (1) identifying specific student resources, (2) designing an action research assignment, and (3) teaching students to effectively use research skills. Each of these steps is discussed. (RM)

States four concerns related to the California Framework for History-Social Science Education: (1) teacher preparation; (2) inadequate provisions for active learning in the skills strand; (3) the omission of science and technology; and (4) a neglect of the community close to the students. Concludes that the Framework does provide direction and…

Offers suggestions for incorporating literature into teaching history. Outlines several activities designed to extend students' understanding of historical events. Includes a suggested reading list of fiction covering various periods in U.S. history for grades 4 through 12. (NL)

Describes a map activity for studying the nine nations of the United States using cooperative learning techniques. The concept of geographic region is discussed and linked to the term "nine nations." Lesson plan, student worksheets, maps, and other materials are included. Indicates the software used to produce maps. (KO)

Urges that the teaching of social studies should be integrated with other subjects. Recommends starting out with a story that the teacher has cleared for reading level, elements of literature, and social studies content. Suggests novels combining literary elements with information on different cultures and historical periods. Includes lesson…

Uses data from the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) to analyze course listings in history and the social sciences in California secondary schools from 1981 to 1990. Uses three variables: enrollment, number of sections, and number of full-time faculty assigned to social studies courses. Reviews course offerings and recommends…

Asserts that terrorism, in its domestic and international forms, is a subject worthy of attention in social studies. Provides a list of causes of terrorism, a list of reasons why the United States is often a terrorist target, and three application lesson ideas. (CFR)

Asserts that geographic literacy plays an important role in the overall history-social science curriculum. Provides a lesson planning strategy and recommends using the Five Themes of Geography as a guide when designing history curricula. Includes recommended textbooks, professional journals, and other teacher resources. (CFR)

Describes the use of computing technology in the Contemporary World History Project (CWHP), a year-long, two-part program that integrates the study of world problems within a traditional world history curriculum. Summarizes the use of the Internet via the International Communication and Negotiation Simulation Project (ICONS) in CWHP simulations.…

Recounts a teacher's experiences with the development and use of online field trips in a fourth-grade classroom. Uses these to outline questions that need to be answered in creating virtual field trip Web sites. Provides an example of a field trip that follows the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. (DSK)

Presents a brief but fascinating discussion of a high school junior's use of primary sources for her presentation at History Day in California. She contacted black athletes who gave the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics and conducted several hours of interviews. These interviews were incorporated into a paper. (MJP)

Responds to the California Framework for History-Social Science Education's call for an integrated approach to education by demonstrating how literature may be used with secondary students to provide insights into understanding historical events and people. (LS)